Big Jake (1971)

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara appeared together in five films over 20 years. In most of those, they co-starred as the leads. But in this final pairing of 1971, O'Hara's part is little more than a cameo. That's because it's all guys and guts after their reuniting after many years of separation, and the guys ride off into danger. The Duke plays "Big Jake" McCandles, and two estranged sons join him in his quest to save his grandson. Little Jake, whom he has never seen, was kidnapped and is being held for ransom. Apparently, Martha (O'Hara) is a rich woman and has agreed to pay the $1 million ransom. But, only Jake can be trusted to make the swap. Of course, the local sheriff and a posse with new-fangled horseless carriages think they can get to the kidnappers faster. After they are ambushed and taken out of action, Jake's sons see the wisdom of his ways and join in his quest. Surprises are in store for the kidnappers and for others as well. Wayne plays an older man - or his age, in this film (64), and so he's slowed down. Wisdom in this case encompasses taking one's time and not rushing headlong into things or places. I can identify with that. Otherwise, it's a solid Western with plenty of action. It's a good tale in the John Wayne tradition of Westerns. Among the very good supporting cast is Richard Boone as John Fair, the "brains" of the kidnappers. The Duke's son, Patrick Wayne plays his son, James, in the film. Others are Bruce Cabot, Harry Carey Jr., and Christopher Mitchum, son of actor Robert Mitchum. The film's cast is as much a family affair as is the story and their parts in it.

The McCandles ranch is attacked by a gang of bad guys led by John Fain. They kill people, they steal things, but worse, they kidnap little Jacob McCandles and hold him for a million dollar ransom. Only "Big" Jake McCandles, John Wayne, can save the day, despite being old and presumed long dead in the film. Big Jake leads a small group which includes his real life son, as well as the kidnappers bounty through the wild west to the meeting point. Learning about each other in the process and having the occasional punch up.The acting can be split into two in this film. First, the dialogue - it's strong and the narrative drives action throughout the film. Secondly the acting, it's bloody awful, the punches are so fake that you could walk an elephant through the space between fist and face. Not being a massive font of knowledge on John Wayne films this felt like what a typical John Wayne film would feel like; an older looking fellow who rides into town, he's got a smart and sarcastic mouth, he respects ladies, he stands up to the bad guys, he punches some people, shoots others, then he rides off into the sunset. This is that kind of a film. It's set in 1909 at a time when motorbikes and motorcars roamed the wild west as well as outlaws on horseback, this felt a little out of place for my expectations of a western film, but hey ho, they have to move with the times too I guess. Not the best western, not the best western (because that's a hotel in the UK), something to watch with your brain disengaged on a lazy Sunday. Enjoy!

I will rate Big Jake as one of the best films of Duke. It is adventurous and funny as well. The story is simple,a person asked by his ex-wife to save her grandson from Bandits who have demanded ransom, but it was entertaining at the same time which was complimented well with acting. The role of was a tailor made for Duke. Hadn't he been in this movie then it wouldn't have been worth watching it. The supporting cast of Patrick Wayne,Christopher Mitchum and Bruce Cabot was excellent. The Richard Boone as the villain was also tremendous and was on par with Duke. The action scenes were first rate and funny. Along with The Shootist and Cowboys this movie can be ranked as one of the best film of Duke of his later career.

This basic idea of this movie had potential but, the acting was stiff, everyone seemed like they were just saying lines for the sake of saying them, no pathos, no feeling, nothing convincing about the acting or lines can be found in this. Way too much stupid stuff was portrayed by all. The "Rangers" who were supposed to be these great shots, had a hard time even getting close to the ambushers, and they were standing up, like they wanted to get shot! And of course,the ambushers were picking off the Rangers real easy. Way too many unbelievable moments were had by all. Way too many dumb, unconvincing lines by actors that were great in other Wayne films!