Big Jim McLain (1952)

Approved   |    |  Crime, Drama, History

Big Jim McLain (1952) Poster

In the post-war Hawaii, House Un-American Activities Committee investigators Jim McLain and Mal Baxter hunt down Communists.

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  • John Wayne and James Arness in Big Jim McLain (1952)
  • John Wayne and Nancy Olson in Big Jim McLain (1952)
  • John Wayne in Big Jim McLain (1952)
  • John Wayne and Nancy Olson during the filming of "Big Jim McLain," Warner Bros. 1952.
  • John Wayne and Nancy Olson in Big Jim McLain (1952)
  • John Wayne in Big Jim McLain (1952)

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Reviews & Commentary

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User Reviews
26 May 2007 | johngarch-1
7
| Best scene
Early in the film Wayne and Arness take the US Navy "picket boat" out to Battleship Row and the superstructure of the USS Arizona, long before the familiar white memorial was built. This little side trip provides a continuity. The 50's fear of Communism was seen, in that era, as being informed by the experience of the attack at Pearl Harbor 11 years before. Folks then knew from bitter, bloody experience, that evil in the world existed, and they were trying to thwart the new evil. It may appear ham-handed to us today, but, in the context of the times, finding the enemy through investigative techniques probably appeared preferable to another sneak attack. Having read the above comments, I also appreciate the way the writers heaped praise on the local, Hawaiian, police.

Critic Reviews

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Whilst there may, indeed, have been some so-called "stolen" scenes, the one in the restaurant isn't one of them. The bystanders were watching the action because of the loud and drunken behavior of Madge (Veda Ann Borg), and the actor who comes to their table.

Quotes

Poke: I've had a belly full of this East Texas cotton-chopping jerk.
Jim McLain: Did you ever chop cotton?
Poke: Nah, I'm from the country club set. That chopping cotton's for white trash and niggers!

Goofs

When the plane taking McLain to another island begins taxiing, the door is still partly open.

Crazy Credits

Opening credits are displayed as a storm rages and each section of credits is blown away by the wind.

Alternate Versions

The version released in Italy and some other European countries is retitled Marijuana and has John Wayne chasing drug smugglers instead of communists.

Soundtracks

My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night
(uncredited)
Music by Stephen Foster
Played during the opening credits

Storyline

Plot Summary

Genres

Crime | Drama | History | Romance | Thriller

Details

Release Date:

30 August 1952

Language

English

Country of Origin

USA

Filming Locations

Pearl Harbor, O'ahu, Hawaii, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$826,000 (estimated)

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