A Big Hand for the Little Lady

Never heard of this wonderful movie till American Movie Classics (bless 'em) showed it recently. What a cast!! Jason Robards, Charles Bickford, Joanne Woodward, Henry Fonda, Paul Ford, and Burgess Meredith - how could a movie with such a blockbuster array have received such little attention? (This was the seemingly indestructible Bickford's very last movie appearance, and he looks as robustly granitic here as he did 30 years prior.) Everyone involved puts in fine work; Meredith especially shines as the catankerous yet wistful old doctor. The production values are extremely high; the movie is great-looking, although, truth to tell, the director's background as primarily a television director does show through just a bit. However this entertaining suspense comedy does keep one involved, though I must admit I saw the surprise ending coming. Don't miss this overlooked little gem.

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.

Not that 7.5/10 is a horrible fan average, but this here is a whole lot better than most if not every single similar contorted film that is heralded as an absolute classic.

Why, this should be way up there at the top. It's got every ingredient needed, and is really superbly constructed, down to the little details in dialog, acting and plot.

All actors are superb in their respective, various and well defined roles. The gorgeous, warm Joanne Woodward in particular does superbly well, because it really was no easy task on paper reading the story.

While, as often, the film starts seemingly a little slow, as soon as we're introduced to the main characters it's nonstop, meaningful, captivating to the very last scene action.

Great ending too...

Top notch cinema. 8.5/10.

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".

Joanne Woodward is one of the cinema's greatest, and most beautiful, actresses. She had all my attention from the moment she appeared on the screen, so staggeringly gorgeous that her lovely blue eyes distracted me from the real trick, that of distracting the men at the poker table while her ensemble delivered the sting to the five richest men in the region, played by Kevin McCarthy, Jason Robards, Gig Young, John Qualen and Charles Bickford.

Paul Ford, portaying an unfeeling, interest-charging banker who is supposedly charmed by Woordward's delightfully deceptive femininity and ignorance of poker, also stands out.

Great photography, very solid script with twist ending and splendid direction by Fielder Cook, better known for his TV work.

Well worth watching!