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The Big Country is a 1958 American epic Western film that stands out as a hallmark of cinematic grandeur. The movie is directed by William Wyler. Burl Ives won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Rufus Hannassey, reflecting the film's critical acclaim.
The Big Country tells the story of pride, love, and vengeance in the rugged American West. Former sea captain James McKay is caught between two ranching families in a bitter feud while dealing with personal and romantic issues. The film features dynamic characters and intricate storylines.
The movie's main cast includes Gregory Peck, who plays James McKay; Jean Simmons, who plays Julie Maragon; and Carroll Baker, who plays Patricia Terrill. The film's resonance depends much on the performances of actors like Charlton Heston, Burl Ives, and Charles Bickford.
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List of the main cast of The Big Country
1) Gregory Peck as James McKay
Gregory Peck plays James McKay, a former sea captain whose integrity and quiet strength anchor the film’s story. Known for his calm and composed persona, Peck’s performance emphasizes McKay’s principles and moral courage.
Peck is celebrated for his Academy Award-winning role in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) and performances in Roman Holiday (1953) and Cape Fear (1962). Throughout his career, Peck was known for his socially conscious roles and contributions to cinema, earning a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 for his humanitarian work.
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2) Jean Simmons as Julie Maragon
Jean Simmons portrays Julie Maragon as a schoolteacher and landowner who is central to resolving the water rights dispute. Her portrayal of Julie was compassionate and layered.
Simmons had a versatile career spanning decades, with well-known performances in Spartacus (1960) and Guys and Dolls (1955), where she starred alongside Marlon Brando. She was nominated for two Academy Awards and received a Golden Globe for her role in The Thorn Birds (1983).
3) Carroll Baker as Patricia Terrill
Carroll Baker plays Patricia Terrill, McKay’s fiancée, whose demanding and dramatic personality creates tension in the story.
Baker’s breakthrough came in Baby Doll (1956), for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She later appeared in How the West Was Won (1962) and The Carpetbaggers (1964). Known for her versatility, Baker worked in both Hollywood and European cinema, earning critical acclaim for her ability to adapt to diverse roles.
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4) Charlton Heston as Steve Leech
Charlton Heston plays Steve Leech, the loyal but conflicted foreman of the Terrill ranch. His portrayal highlighted the character’s internal struggle between loyalty and personal ambition.
Heston is best known for his Academy Award-winning role in Ben-Hur (1959) and leading The Ten Commandments (1956). Over his prolific career, he became synonymous with historical films and later served as the National Rifle Association (NRA) president.
5) Burl Ives as Rufus Hannassey
Burl Ives plays Rufus Hannassey, the patriarch of the Hannassey family. His portrayal earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Beyond acting, Ives was an accomplished singer known for folk music classics like Blue Tail Fly and A Little Bitty Tear. His other film credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) and East of Eden (1955).
6) Charles Bickford as Major Henry Terrill
Charles Bickford plays Major Henry Terrill, a rancher consumed by pride and rivalry.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Bickford appeared in films like The Song of Bernadette (1943) and Days of Wine and Roses (1962). A three-time Academy Award nominee, he was known for his strong screen presence and roles that often portrayed authoritative figures.
Supporting cast of The Big Country and their characters
The supporting cast of the movie includes:
- Alfonso Bedoya as Ramón Gutierrez
- Chuck Connors as Buck Hannassey
- Chuck Hayward as Rafe Hannassey, a member of the Hannassey clan.
- Buff Brady as Dude Hannassey
- Jim Burk as Blackie/Cracker Hannassey
- Dorothy Adams as Hannassey Woman
- Chuck Roberson as Terrill Cowboy
Plot of The Big Country
James McKay, a former sea captain, travels to the American West to marry his fiancée, Patricia Terrill, whose father, Major Henry Terrill, is embroiled in a bitter feud with Rufus Hannassey over water access.
While others around McKay had fiery tempers contrasted with his cool head, he quietly showed his bravery by taming a wild horse and diffusing problems without force.
Tensions escalated when McKay secretly bought the contested "Big Muddy" property to allow equal water access. The feud culminates in a series of confrontations, ending with McKay and schoolteacher Julie Maragon falling in love and leaving the chaos behind.
Production and direction of The Big Country
The Big Country was directed by William Wyler, known for classics like Ben-Hur and Roman Holiday. The screenplay was crafted by James R. Webb, Sy Bartlett, and Robert Wilder, who blended drama with Western action.
Saul Bass, renowned for his innovative title designs, created the opening sequence. Filmed in locations like California’s Red Rock Canyon, Jerome Moross’s Academy Award-nominated musical score matched the movie's visual appeal.
The Big Country is now available to stream on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
