tom10i
Lifetime Total
1+
IMDb Member
20 years
Reviews
A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966)
Superb Western with unique characterizations by all actors
In a Western, particularly one such as this, where there is less physical action, spectacular scenery and a smaller "stage" than normal (perhaps it originated as a stage play), it is highly important that the writing be literate, alternating an compelling plot with develop of highly unusual characters to whom the viewer can relate. These aspects have been accomplished in abundance in "A Big Hand for a Little Lady."
While this is not the greatest "broad paint brush" western ever made (such as "My Darling Clemintine"), it certainly is a minor classic, the last of the great ones and one of the only classics that is a comedy (it has held up as well as "Destry Rides Again" in my opinion). It is unique, with a plot that twists and turns, and doesn't give up its greatest secrets (say, "pleasures") until the very last scenes.
Here the brilliant direction is direct and the story is exceptionally well paced, with what is perhaps the best western exposition I have seen (excepting "The Magnificent Seven"). The characters are brought together in a particularly interesting, well handled and memorable way.
With legendary and other well known actors in the majority of the parts, there is a tension between playing of the actors against their own "type" or with their type and, frankly, until the end, you do not know which.
My first perceptions of this marvelous movie, which I fortunately saved on tape, have only heighten through the years since it was made, particularly when one realizes that it is unlikely that actors of this experience and ability simply do not exist anymore in the American cinema.
Altogether a wonderful movie experience and one suited for the entire family.
While this is not the greatest "broad paint brush" western ever made (such as "My Darling Clemintine"), it certainly is a minor classic, the last of the great ones and one of the only classics that is a comedy (it has held up as well as "Destry Rides Again" in my opinion). It is unique, with a plot that twists and turns, and doesn't give up its greatest secrets (say, "pleasures") until the very last scenes.
Here the brilliant direction is direct and the story is exceptionally well paced, with what is perhaps the best western exposition I have seen (excepting "The Magnificent Seven"). The characters are brought together in a particularly interesting, well handled and memorable way.
With legendary and other well known actors in the majority of the parts, there is a tension between playing of the actors against their own "type" or with their type and, frankly, until the end, you do not know which.
My first perceptions of this marvelous movie, which I fortunately saved on tape, have only heighten through the years since it was made, particularly when one realizes that it is unlikely that actors of this experience and ability simply do not exist anymore in the American cinema.
Altogether a wonderful movie experience and one suited for the entire family.
Kim (1950)
Grand retelling of wonderful story, Flynn still shines
This is a grand retelling of a wonderful story, with Flynn still shining through, though he is not in fact the main character in the tale. Young Dean Stockwell is the person who is on camera on almost every scene and he shows swagger and plumb that indicates a real talent and understanding of his part. While Flynn was certainly nearing the end of his career, he still showed he still possessed his outstanding ability to play parts such as his "horse trader" in this costumer, which no actors alive today, save Peter O'Toole or Sean Connery - who not surprisingly made another outstanding Kipling piece into the movie - "The Man Who Would Be King", are able to match. The movie is highly entertaining and the supporting players are veterans all and play their parts very well.