A Big Hand for the Little Lady

Like Frank Gilroy's From Noon Til Three(1977), A Big Hand for the Little Lady is a surprisingly enjoyable, and generally unknown western comedy. Centering around an annual poker game in the old West, the film is bolstered by a well-chosen and diverse group of veteran actors at the top of their game giving thoroughly committed performances. At 60 years old, Fonda looks great, and is a master of facial expression;no poker-face here, and Woodward is perfectly cast as his wife. The first rate ensemble features a stellar Kevin McCarthy along with Burgess Meredith, Jason Robards Jr, Charles Bickford and a delightful Paul Ford. The direction keeps what might have been static bustling. Well made film with an authentic atmosphere has a nice payoff at the end. The G-rated A Big Hand for the Little Lady gives family comedy a good name.

With Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, Charles Bickford, Kevin McCarthy, Burgess Meredith and Paul Ford how can a movie fail? Certainly not this little jewel handsomely directed by Fielder Cook, normally a director of the small screen. But from the very beginning the film announces that it is going to be a lot of fun. Five of the wealthiest men in the territory drop whatever they are doing and gather once a year for a marathon poker game in a winner takes all stake. Into this rides Henry Fonda and his wife and son, on the way to Texas to make a new start. He is an on the wagon ex gambler, who instantly falls off when he finds out about the game and is suckered in by the meanest group of tightfisted sarcastic card players in the west. Just when he finally gets the hand he has been waiting for he has a heart attack, and his wife has to take over for him. What will happen and what hand is she holding? If you want to find out you just have to see this great little film for yourself.

When I caught this one on TV, was I sorry I'd missed it during its theatrical release. The whole cast is in top form, especially Paul Ford giving one of his funniest performances. Joanne Woodward never looked lovelier while running the gamut from great distress to the wittiest of high spirits. Too bad her hubby, Paul Newman, couldn't have joined the poker players at the table where most of the action takes place. The production values are quite good but the standout is the ever-reliable David Raksin's lively score...his music for the opening title sequence and at the film's close is terrific! If you haven't seen this one yet, you're in for a treat.

Well, this movie certainly beats the pants off watching THE CINCINNATI KID (the only other poker movie I can think of off the top of my head). It is a very unusual film set in the old West about a family passing through town and the head of the family who gets suckered into playing a high-stakes poker game and seems on the verge of losing everything. And, at the crucial moment when he is on the edge of either winning or going bust, he becomes too ill to continue and his wife, by default, is brought in to take his place.

The movie, despite the BRIEF overview I gave, is far deeper and is a super-intelligently written film. There are many wonderful twists and turns, but if I let it out of the bag, it would ruin it for you. Just give the movie a chance--it's a buried treasure.

This top-notch comedy western is both entertaining and unforgettable. Its stellar cast of veteran American actors present a magnificent example of ensemble acting. Burgess Meredith in particular turns in a virtuoso performance. Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward and Jason Robards anchor the film with delightful portrayals.

The surprise plot twist at the end does jar the emotions a little, but is in keeping with the fun and mischievous spirit of the film. Definitely more stylish and funnier than "The Sting". Action, adventure, comedy, suspense ----- this well-crafted tale has it all. It deserves the term "classic".