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Reviews
The Big Country (1958)
George Washington in a Western
This is undoubtedly the best western that I have ever seen. It has "all" the characteristics that make up a great drama. Burl Ives surely deserved his best supporting actor award. For that matter, all the acting was exceptional and should have been noted for posterity. In all fairness, if you were going to give the Oscar to Burl, it should have been also awarded to Gregory Peck. His portrayal of "Jim Mckay" was sure genius. He played a unique character that has not been reproduced since this late 1950's western. Mckay was a very friendly, educated and established Easterner who wasn't impressed with himself. He never wore his "medals" on his sleeve and was always trying to do the right thing. His character is the kind of person that we all strive to be like in our everyday lives. If only more men emulated the actions of "Jim Mckay", this surely would be a better world. Jim's honesty, truthfulness, integrity, sincerity, strength and courage stand up to the "bigness" of the "Big Country". The scenery and music make this a pure masterpiece by the great director, William Wyler. The Big Country deserved more than it got from Hollywood and over time, people have been re-introducing themselves to a classic. I seen this movie years ago and fell in love with it right away. I usually watch it once or twice a year when it comes on TV or when I get the hankering and pull the DVD out. If you love westerns and have not seen the "Big Country", you are in for a big surprise. Enjoy.
Granny Get Your Gun (1940)
Granny Gone Wild
This comedy/drama is done in the style of a "Frank Capra" movie. Mary Robson plays a resourceful "granny" (Minerva Hatton) who is trying to protect her granddaughter from being hung up on a "murder" charge. She is being defended by an old attorney friend (Nate Paulson) played by Harry Davenport. Minerva and Nate are a 2 headed Columbo who won't stop until they get to the truth. Granny is a very independent and forceful woman for her time. She is very persuasive and usually gets her way. Her character is the true definition of what "feminism" should have been then and now for that matter. Her character is not afraid to step on toes once in a while. The ends surely justifies the means here. Her movie sidekicks are all the familiar faces from that genre of movies in the late 30's, early 40's. While this movie is short in length, it really packs a punch and keeps you riveted. The editing in this movie is very good for its time and should have been nominated. This movie has all the right elements that work together for it to work successfully. I would have hoped that this may have developed into a series like that of the "Thin Man". Unfortunately, Mary Robson died 2 years after this movie was released, on October 20th, 1942. She has the notoriety of being the oldest born actress (1856) to ever be nominated for an academy award (Lady for a day-directed by Frank Capra). This is a movie that everyone could enjoy. Please check this out, you won't be disappointed.