Big Jake
"An inescapably likable John Wayne western...Audiences are sure to love it." -Jay Cocks, Time Magazine
In this action-filled western, John Wayne stars as Big Jake McCandles, a husband who hasn't seen his wife (Maureen O'Hara) in over 18 years. But he returns home after his grandson is kidnapped by a vicious outlaw gang. While the law gives chase in rickety automobiles, Jake saddles up with an Indian scout (Bruce Cabot) and a box of money-even though paying a ransom isn't how Jake plans to exact good old frontier justice. Spiced with humor and first-class gunfights, this is a vivid depiction of the last days of the wild frontier.
Big Jake was a family affair for John Wayne. His oldest son produced it and two other sons, Patrick and John Ethan, appear in it. The film also marks the second time Richard Boone and John Wayne worked together and the fifth time Wayne worked with Maureen O'Hara.
Member Reviews
Time Takes its Toll - MovieLover5
Well, I like the Duke, but this film falls rather flat: minimal character development, no background to the plot, some of the actors can't act, the blood has to be the phoniest I've seen, and the script? Well, you'd think (spoiler alert) that the Duke would have been a bit concerned/sad/whatever when his good buddy bites the bullet! Cheesy!!!!Great Wayne Western - Movie_Fan
Big Jake is one of the best of the last crop of westerns John Wayne made before his death. The action sequences are well done with some humour scattered throughout.
Although there are some fairly violent scenes, for some strange reason in its theatrical release the movie had a "G" rating.
Richard Boone is a formidable antagonist for Wayne. Maureen O'Hara makes her last film appearance as Wayne's love interest. Many familiar faces make up the supporting cast.
The Bottom Line: Well worth a rental.Western Does Dirty Harry (Sam Peckinpaw Style) - bwod
So you like your westerns gritty? Then "Big Jake" might be to your taste. In this 1971 film, John Wayne proves he still had "it". There's plenty of action, lot's of blood, a good script written by the same people that brought you "Dirty Harry". The cast also includes the lovely Maureen O'Hara, and some other famous people who have marginal acting skills. And there's the rub. You'll have to put up with some rather "wooden" acting. But over-all it's a good movie. Time well-wasted. I'd give it one firm thumb up.
Member Reviews
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Time Takes its Toll - MovieLover5
Well, I like the Duke, but this film falls rather flat: minimal character development, no background to the plot, some of the actors can't act, the blood has to be the phoniest I've seen, and the script? Well, you'd think (spoiler alert) that the Duke would ...Great Wayne Western - Movie_Fan
Big Jake is one of the best of the last crop of westerns John Wayne made before his death. The action sequences are well done with some humour scattered throughout.
Although there are some fairly violent scenes, for some strange reason in its theatrical ...Western Does Dirty Harry (Sam Peckinpaw Style) - bwod
So you like your westerns gritty? Then "Big Jake" might be to your taste. In this 1971 film, John Wayne proves he still had "it". There's plenty of action, lot's of blood, a good script written by the same people that brought you "Dirty Harry". The cast also ...