BIG JAKE

PRODUCED BY MICHAEL WAYNE
DIRECTED BY GEORGE SHERMAN
and JOHN WAYNE-uncredited
MUSIC BY ELMER BERNSTEIN

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INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Plot Summary

The McCandles ranch is run over by a gang of cutthroats led by the evil John Fain. They kidnap little Jacob McCandles and hold him for a million dollar ransom. There is only one man who is brave enough and smart enough to bring him back and that man is Big Jake

Summary written by Christopher D. Ryan

John Wayne is Big Jake McCandles, on the trail on bandits in this action drama that stretches from Texas to Mexico. It's 1909, and the Old West is giving way to modern times. When the outlaw gang led bu vicious John Fain (Boone) raids Jake's ranch and kidnaps his 8-year-old grandson, Jake's wife (Maureen O'Hara), whom he hasn't seen in 18 years, sends for her husband to rescue the boy. While the law gives chase in rickety automobiles, Jake saddles up with an Indian scout, a faithful dog, and a box of money. But paying ransom isn't Jake's idea of good old frontier justice.

Summary written by Robert Lynch

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Harry Julian Fink
Rita M. Fink

Full Cast

John Wayne .... Jacob McCandles
Richard Boone .... John Fain (gang leader)
Patrick Wayne .... James McCandles
Christopher Mitchum .... Michael McCandles
Bruce Cabot .... Sam Sharpnose
Bobby Vinton .... Jeff McCandles
Glenn Corbett .... O'Brien, aka Breed (Fain gang member)
John Doucette .... Texas Ranger Capt. Buck Duggan
Jim Davis .... Head of lynching party
John Agar .... Bert Ryan (McCandles Ranch foreman)
Harry Carey Jr. .... Pop Dawson (Fain gang member) (as Harry Cary Jr.)
Gregg Palmer .... John Goodfellow (Fain gang member)
Roy Jenson .... Gunman at bathhouse in Escondero
Virginia Capers .... Delilah (McCandles' maid)
William Walker .... Moses Brown (McCandles' cook)
John McLiam .... Army officer
Bernard Fox .... Scottish shepherd
Don Epperson .... Saloon bully in Escondero
Jim Burk .... Trooper (Fain gang member)
Dean Smith .... James William 'Kid' Duffy (Fain gang member)
Ethan Wayne .... Little Jake McCandles
Hank Worden .... Hank (McCandles' ranch hand)
Tom Hennesy .... Mr. Sweet (saloon brawler in Escondero)
Robert Warner .... Will Fain (John's brother)
Jeff Wingfield .... Billy Devries (Fain gang member)
Jerry Gatlin .... Stubby
Everett Creach .... Walt Devries (Fain gang member)
Maureen O'Hara .... Martha McCandles
George Fenneman .... Narrator (uncredited)
Chuck Roberson .... Texas Ranger (uncredited)
Jerry Summers .... Hotel desk clerk in Escondero (uncredited)

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Newt Arnold .... assistant director
Cliff Lyons .... second unit director


Stunts

Denny Arnold .... stunts (uncredited)
Bill Babcock .... stunts (uncredited)
Jim Burk .... stunts (uncredited)
Everett Creach .... stunts (uncredited)
Jerry Gatlin .... stunts (uncredited)
Chuck Hayward .... stunts (uncredited)
Terry Leonard .... stunts (uncredited)
Chuck Roberson .... stunt double: John Wayne (uncredited)
Chuck Roberson .... stunts (uncredited)
Dean Smith .... stunts (uncredited)
Jerry Summers .... stunts (uncredited)
Buddy Van Horn .... stunts (uncredited)
'Chema' Hernandez .... livestock coordinator (uncredited)


Filming Location

Durango, Mexico

Trivia

* This was to be the final film in which John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara would work together; they had previously collaborated in Rio Grande (1950), The Quiet Man (1952), The Wings of Eagles (1957), and McLintock! (1963).

* Director George Sherman had health problems throughout the picture. Producer/star John Wayne, an old friend of Sherman's from when they made westerns at Republic together back in the 1930s, would not allow Sherman to be taken off the picture, and wound up directing much of the film himself.


Goofs

* Continuity: Toward the beginning of the movie, the Texas Rangers and the Mc Candle's boys are trying to get ahead of the kidnappers. When viewed from behind, the shadows are on the vehicle's right-hand side, when the camera is in front, the shadows are on the left, even though the vehicles are traveling the same direction the entire time.

* Continuity: Big Jake is bucked off his horse and falls in a mud puddle. Later in the same scene his suit is clean.

* Continuity: James McCandles is thrown off his horse by Big Jake into a mud puddle. Later in the same scene he is clean.

* Continuity: During the kidnapping, Little Jake pokes at O'Brian with a pitchfork and knocks off O'Brian's hat, but O'Brian has puncture wounds in his cheeks, much lower than the area where he was struck with the pitchfork.

* Continuity: Nine gang members ride to the ranch. One is killed. Seven ride away with "Little Jake".

* Continuity: When Michael is showing Jake his gas-powered gun both Sam and James jump into the river for safety. Within minutes of leaving the river, the clothing worn by both of them is perfectly dry.

* Continuity: Throughout the movie, the Big Jake's dog changes its color many times.

Previous Discussion:-
Big Jake ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Your fault. My fault. I'm gonna blow your head off!,

Hi, part of the immortal lines from this great film.
Duke was great in this film depicting the end of the gunslinger era,
and Richard Boone, was a brilliant villain.
Maureen, was her usual self.
Patrick and Ethan Wayne, did OK, although Patrick has come under
some criticism, over his acting, in the film.
Bobby Vinton, adding, a curiosity role.
And Dog, was brilliant, and as mentioned in another thread,
met a nasty end, by a nasty man!!
On an historical note, the courtyard at the climax,
is the real one, as used by PANCHO VILLA, when he and his men
slaughtered 750 people!
I enjoyed this film, tremendously
With the addition of all the Ford/Wayne favourite stock company,
an enjoyable film.
Rating 8/10

Hi

Yes I liked Big Jake, although it was a violent picture but a sign of the times.

It was also interesting to see good guys playing the badies, Gregg Palmer as his career wore on played the baddie probably more often than a hero, but Harry Carey jnr looked ornery and any thing but a hero, while Glenn Corbett's two roles in Wayne pictures Pat Garratt in Chisum and O'Brian in Big Jake, were as different as chalk and cheese.

To be honest I watch a picture for the entertainment not how many goofs I can notice. I think te main thing is to enjoy the film for what it is not what side of the car the shadows are on or what can be vaguely seen in the background.

I wonder if anyone interviewing John Ford what answer he would get if he
asked him to give an explanation of why he did what he did in his pictures.

Regards

Arthur

I like Big Jake and enjoy watching it but always thought it was a bit uneven at times between the violence and what was close to comedy Mc Lintock style.

Wasn't Dog actually Lassie or one of her descendants?

=arthurarnell,Jan 22 2006, 02:51

To be honest I watch a picture for the entertainment not how many goofs I can notice. I think te main thing is to enjoy the film for what it is not what side of the car the shadows are on or what can be vaguely seen in the background.

I wonder if anyone interviewing John Ford what* answer he would get if he
asked him to give an explanation of why he did what* he did in his pictures.

Regards

Arthur
25643


I totally agree Arthur,
I've included, in the reviews, every aspect of the films, as I can,
including Trivia and Goofs,
so that, there is something of interest for everyone.
Same as you ,I watch the films, for their enjoyment

This was the first film of John Waynes that I seen and the film that has made me a fan for over twelve years.

The violence in the movie in my opinion is necessary and effective, the shootouts at the beginning and end of the movie are fantastic.

If I was the director I would have made the following changes to the film

1. Replaced Chris Mitchum with Stuart Whitman.
2. Replaced Patrick Wayne with James Caan.
3. Added two or three more bad guys.
4. Made the night shots a little darker.
5. Got rid of the knockabout humour which was ineffective in my opinon.
6. I would not have had the scene in which the rangers go off looking for the bad guys in the 'horseless carriages'.

However having said that John Wayne is excellent and there are many good scenes in the movie. Boone represents the best John Wayne villian in any movie and Ethan Wayne did an excellent job as Dukes grandson.

Of course the inclusion of the dog was innovative and effective.

For me personally this movie still stands up well today and I hope many more people on this site will enjoy it for what it is a good western adventure.

Incidentally EthanEdwards do you know of any scenes from this movie that may have been cut, I am still trying to find out what happened young Billy.

:agent:

Hi Robbie

I couldnt agree with you more. I think they panicked over the violence and thought lets lighten it with comedy in the middle.

I agree with you over Patrick & Chris two more suitable replacements would have been better.

The car chase was a novelty to show it was the end of a era. They dont quite achieve reality to be honest.

That said it is a good movie but as I said before slightly uneven.

According to Maureen O Hara's book there was quite a bit cut from the movie (I think she said 1/2 hour I need to check) and she had more scenes than were shown and was rather bemused that her role ended up more or less a cameo.

No possibility of a director's cut/special edition?


Mike

Hi,

664


I agree, with DukePilgrim,
and go along with his post, in the fact that,
Maureen was in it for an unexcusable short time,
and should the bits be put back in, it would have expanded their
relationship.

Hi All

I checked Maureen's book and she states that some of the best scenes with her and Duke were cut. If this is the case what else is missing. It would be great if some kind of restored cut could be reissued as a DVD.

Numerous films have been reissued this way. I would presume that Batjac would have the rights.

Is there any way this can be investigated? I do believe this would sell which would make it interesting to those with rights.

Any thoughts


Mike

Hi DukePilgrim

1/2 an hour seems quite a lot I would certainly be very interested to find out if there are more scenes out there of this movie.

Since it is a Batjak movie made in 1971 there is a reasonable chance that the extra footage may still exist in the John Wayne vault controlled by Wayne enterprise.

:agent:

Aye, there's the rub - does the footage of any of these missing scenes still exist?
The older the movie, it is less likely that any of these are still around. Look at "The Alamo." It is only through the most fortuitous of circumstances that there is an uncut version (the original roadshow version) available. I'm sure a number of the Duke's movies had scenes wind up on the cutting room floor, but it is extremely rare that any of these have shown up.
Cheers - Jay <_<

Hi all,
I like this film very much. And I like Pat and Ethan in it, never thought about the replacements.
When we watch this film last time with my friend, she asked me: Did Jake returned to the beautiful grandmother at last?
At the end of the film they said: Lets go home...
Regards,
Senta

The Casablanca DVD has deleted scenes on it and so do many other Humphrey Bogart movies, The Big sleep even has an alternative ending.

:agent:

Yeah, reissuing this movie with deleted scenes would be great! It would be like having a whole new movie to watch. For us Maureen O'Hara fans, we would certainly enjoy her in a more prominent role :D .

Just think of the money they could rake in $$$$$$$.

Chester :newyear:

Memorable Quotes

Jacob 'Big Jake' McCandles: And now you understand. Anything goes wrong, anything at all... your fault, my fault, nobody's fault... it won't matter - I'm gonna blow your head off. No matter what else happens, no matter who gets killed I'm gonna blow your head off.

[to his son]
Jacob 'Big Jake' McCandles: You can call me Dad, you can call me Father, you can call me Jacob and you can call me Jake. You can call me a dirty old son-of-a-bitch, but if you EVER call me Daddy again, I'll finish this fight.

John Fain: Who are you?Jake: Jacob McCandles.
John Fain: I thought you were dead.
Jake: Not hardly.

O'Brian: They tell me you killed two good men in a fair fight tonight. That true?
James McCandles: No, three; countin' you.

Martha McCandles: They're very dangerous men. They've already killed ten people, many of them you know... Juan and his family...

Jake: Tina and the little boy?
Martha McCandles: And Moses Brown.
Jake: Old Mose... lousy cook.

Pop Dawson: Say, you don't look too good. The sight of blood bother you?
Jake: Only my own.

Jake: Throw a blanket over 'im (a horse).
James McCandles: I can ride without a blanket.
Jake: I'm not worrying about your butt! It's his back!

[Big Jake and Sam Sharpnose try to get a hotel room]
Jake: Give us a room.
Hotel desk clerk: The dog is all right, but, ah, we do not allow Indians.

Jake: Well, if you can shoot that far, a quarter of a mile straight along the edge of my nose is a mountain buck. Shoot it.
Michael McCandles: I don't kill to make a point, Father.
Jake: Michael, there's two reason to kill - survival and meat. We need meat!


Jake: You're short on ears and long on mouth!
John Fain: A ranch sure is a deserted looking place during a round-up.

Jake: What do you do when cockroaches get in the woodwork, Michael?
James McCandles: Smoke 'em out?
Jake: That's right.

Michael McCandles: Why not wait for them to make the first move?
Jake: Because waiting is good for them and bad for us. You get impatient, nervy, careless and maybe dead.

John Fain: You come close, mister, but no cigar!

James McCandles: I am moved by your faith in someone you haven't seen since he was sixteen years old, Daddy!

Jacob 'Big Jake' McCandles: Daddy?
James McCandles: Daddy.
Jacob 'Big Jake' McCandles: Well, son; since you don't have any respect for your elders, it's time somebody taught you some respect for your betters!
[grabs James and throws him into a mud puddle]
James McCandles: Why, if you weren't my father...
Jacob 'Big Jake' McCandles: Go ahead. I give you leave.
[James swings and misses, Jake hits him and knocks him back into the puddle]

INFORMATION IMDb

I think I remember seeing this movie several years ago.Near the beginning of the movie where Big Jake is heading home.He rides upon 2 men about to hang a sheep herder.Jake intervenes and one of the 2 men says,who are you?Jake says,Jacob McCandle.The man says thought you was dead.Jake says,Not hardly.
Needsless to say they didn't hang the sheepherder.
But the last several times that I watched this movie this scene wasn't in it.
I know he had the same conversation at the end of the movie with Richard Boone.
Tell me if I am remembering right or did I dream this.

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Jan 24 2006, 10:39 AM
Memorable Quotes
John Fain: Who are you?Jake: Jacob McCandles.
John Fain: I thought you were dead.
Jake: Not hardly.

INFORMATION IMDb
25833


Hi lawman in sc,
You're quite right, and here it is from the Memorable Quotes thread.
By the way youre post on THE COWBOYS, was blank,

Best Wishes

One of the best lines from this movie is Duke's "Not hardly!"

The plot of the movie is interesting, with many different aspects. There is a certain amount of comic relief, but it certainly doesn't make up for the extremely bloody, gory scenes. The first time we watched this, it was after having seen at least 20 to 30 JW movies, and the violence and blood were shocking in comparison (but in line with the time period in which the movie was made). For that reason, we don't watch it very often (don't like our young son watching it).

Deep Discount DVD ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) has an older DVD version of the film, for under $8.

Amazon ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) offers the newer DVD, part of Paramount's John Wayne Collection that includes the released-just-last-year The High and the Mighty, Island in the Sky, Hondo, McLintock, and probably other titles as well. I suspect the newer DVD has some special features not available on the earlier one.

Chester :newyear:

Originally posted by lawman in sc@Jan 29 2006, 04:59 PM
I think I remember seeing this movie several years ago.Near the beginning of the movie where Big Jake is heading home.He rides upon 2 men about to hang a sheep herder.Jake intervenes and one of the 2 men says,who are you?Jake says,Jacob McCandle.The man says thought you was dead.Jake says,Not hardly.
Needsless to say they didn't hang the sheepherder.
But the last several times that I watched this movie this scene wasn't in it.
I know he had the same conversation at the end of the movie with Richard Boone.
Tell me if I am remembering right or did I dream this.
26172


And you could also add another 'goof' to this part of the film as well. When Duke rides in to save the sheepherder and his boy from hanging, he asks the man if his sheep are for sale. The man replies yes, whereas the Duke says he'll give him $100 now, and $300 more when they reach market. As the scene plays out, it's apparent that Duke never gave the sheepherder the $100.

As for the whole movie, it's always been a favorite. Although, I do agree with others in that the opening kidnapping was a little too violent for my taste (did we really need to see Harry Carey Jr. shoot a defenseless mexican boy?). Also, not having JW make his first appearance in the film till almost 20 minutes goes by was just too long. If, as stated, they had to cut 30 minutes from the final version, why not cut down on this long played-out scene, and keep the ones involving Maureen and Duke. Also, Patrick Wayne seemed to be rather weak in his acting in the film. His scene where he is called a coward in the bar was proof of that. As someone else mentioned, James Caan would have elevated the role much more.

but all in all, still a good film. my rating...8/10

This was on the BOOK channel last night, and I watched it twice (back2back).

"i thought you were dead"
"Not, hardly!!"


-IHW

I watched this movie for the first time tonight, I thought it was a good film, although a couple of changes could have been made, Duke seemed very relaxed in this movie, if that makes sense.

Originally posted by Bek@Mar 17 2006, 07:32 AM
I watched this movie for the first time tonight, I thought it was a good film, although a couple of changes could have been made, Duke seemed very relaxed in this movie, if that makes sense.
29519



Hi Bek, I grew up watching this movie over-and-over again. I never tire of it. I think The Duke had a great time making this film as many of the people he worked with were vets of his movies and he knew that they knew what he wanted.

Some of my favorite lines from this movie:

1) Man trying to hang the Sheepherder: "Mister, you shouldn't stick your nose into others business...you really shouldn't. If it's one thing that I like hanging a sheepherder it's hanging someone who sticks his nose into my business." Big Jake: "No you got me scared......(throws pocket-knife which sticks in the tree trunk) you do it."

2) "He fired his six shots its safe to come out."

3) "Now you understand....Anything goes wrong....anything at all, your fault my fault nobody's fault....IM going to blow your head off. It's just as simple as that, no matter what happens no matter who gets killed, IM going to blow your head off."

To quote just a few. :D

This movie was one of John Wayne's most financially successful of the 1970's. I can't help but sometimes think of what the movie would have been like with a better director such as Rydell or Siegel. I also believe it was a mistake to cut out the scenes of Maureen O'hara at the end of the movie as her role is meerly an extended cameo.

:agent:

Maureen O Hara in her book thought it had the potential to be a great film and that through bad editing they made a mess of it.

Now, how much of her gripes were caused by her role being the most edited is up for debate but she did come out of retirement to make the film so the property must have been strong enough initially to let her make that decision.

As Robbie, has said before a better director, tighter script with less comedy and a stronger cast would have enhanced the movie.

Mike

Interesting point Mike, I wonder how much was actually edited from the movie, is the original script for the movie available to read?

:agent:

Hi Robbie

If the footage still exists I would imagine it would be in rough form.

The best bet is an actual script

Best

Mike

I really think this is Duke at his accumalative best. I actually like all of the other cast members and enjoyed the lighter moments. This is the first of Duke's pictures that I ever remember watching, so maybe I'm not being very objective. As far as Duke goes, I believe it is one of his smoothest performances, you could just feel he was on top of his game. Not enough scenes with Richard Boone or Maureen although I feel the scenes he had with her was an extension of McClintock. Overall, my favorite Duke movie.
Bo

We have watched Big Jake probably 20 times, and we still have a tough time accounting for the death of all the outlaws. There were nine men at the beginning, one killed during the rampage at the McCandles ranch...leaving eight. Then as we counted them off at the end, it seems like there should be one left. But then maybe the goof mentioned on page one of this thread explains it, in that only seven rode away from the McCandles ranch, though only one was killed. Is it possible that someone else was killed and they cut the scene? Anybody know which character introduced at the beginning is the one that went missing? Next time I watch it, I am gonna write it all down, and check them off as they go.

GSP

I went back and tried to do some more research on my question about the death of the outlaws...there were nine at the start of the raid of the McCandles ranch...

John Fain - Michael shot him at the end of the film
Will Fain - Jake shot him at the start of the big shootout
"Pop" Dawson - James shot him standing in a doorway during shootout
John Goodfellow - Jake got him with a pitchfork at the end of the big shootout
Trooper - Sam shot him from atop a wall during big shootout
"Kid" Duffy - Michael shot him off the bell-tower
O'Brien - James shot him off a rock during big shootout
Billy Devries - Shot during the opening raid on the McCandles ranch
Walt Devries - ?? The mystery bandit...whatever happened to him?

As was said earlier, only 7 are shown to leave the McCandles ranch, and I have yet to try and count them later in the film. I will have to watch closer next time...unless someone else can solve this mystery.

GSP

Hi GSP

Jakes young son who gets badly injured at the start of the movie is the man who shoots Walt Devries, its young Billy whom we are unsure about what happened.

I think the two Devries brothers should have been kept alive until the final shootout as it would have made it a little more interesting.

:agent:

Robbie,

Thanks for straightening me out on the Devries. Maybe Billy left the bandits because he was too embarrassed that his brother was taken out by Bobby Vinton.

Seriously, I wonder if maybe the answer to all this, is both the Devries were killed at the McCandles ranch, and they cut the scene of Billy Devries getting taken out. That would explain why only seven were shown riding away. I don't recall ever seeing Devries the rest of the movie.

GSP

This is/was also one of my very least liked John Wayne films, but that is only really due to the fact that the Dog is killed. Anytime a movie has a dog murdered I hate it. Anyhoo my one useless comment is that this film reminds of Spaghetti westerns... and that I call American Spaghetti...

Yes if I was a dog I would reconsider my contract working with John Wayne.

Between Hondo Big Jake & The Searchers they dont have a much luck living to the last reel

Always wondered was it related to the dog in Hondo who was apparently one of the many Lassie's


Anyway ,Big Jake despite it uneveness is not a bad movie. Not a classic but an improvement on other like Train Robbers and The Undefeated.

Mike

Gregg Palmer will be one of the guests at the celebration in Winterset... for those of you not familiar with him, he is the guy that used the machette as a weapon. That's the only part of the movie I hated, the suggestion he hacked the dog to pieces. The wife won't watch it for that reason.

Yes poor Gregg is like Lassie he doesnt make good odds of making it to the last reel either.

He was shot in Commancheros Bouvier (opponent in duel) uncredited.


Gregg survived in The Undefeated as the horse agent but died in Rio Lobo shot in the stomach throwing his dynamite, shot by Billy the Kid in Chisum and again by Duke in Big Jake.

I notice he is listed as being in The Shootist but cant remember seeing him and also featured in the True Grit TV movie with Warren Oates


Mike

You absolutely can't miss him in The Shootist... he is listed as "Burly Man" or for you and I he was the guy that tried to rob JB Books in the very first scene and Books gut shot him.

[Only registered and activated users can see links] [Only registered and activated users can see links]

So now I know who I can despise for killing the dog! SHAME ON YOU GREGG PALMER!

Thanks Dakota

My mind has gone to goo!!!:stunned: Of Course. He is in The Mc Kenzie Break with Brian Keith and if you dont look for him you would never identify him.

So out of six outings 5 deaths and 1 survival mind you I think he gets hit in The Undefeated.

Ask him, if he would preferred a role in a John Wayne movie that survived at the end!


Mike

I was going ask why that name sounded familiar and then I realized I was getting him mixed up with characters from The Phantom (1996) movie.

I must check him out in Commancheros and use the zoom effect on pause.

I didn't recognize him in there

I have got to admit, this is one of my top ten favorite Duke movies. I just enjoy this one, despite the flaws; Some weak acting from a supporting actor or two, some bad editing (for example one of the outlaws disappears - did he get shot? did he run away? Who knows!) and of course the dog getting killed! But in the 70's he made two really good serious classics ("The Cowboys" and "The Shootist"), and this is one of those from that decade, I call the fun classics. (I like all of his westerns from that decade. The cop movies- not so much- I have to watch those again.) Out of the fun westerns, this is my favorite. Just a "sit back, relax, have a beer or two and watch the Duke and Co. kick some badguy butt movie!" You can't beat that.

Here are a couple of posters, thanks to Les Adams ~

2043

2044

I talked to gregg palmer out at winterset. he stated he gets more flak for killing that dog than anything he's ever done. also said that when the dog attacked him in the courtyard scene it scared the you know what out of him.i found him to be a very courteous and accommodating man.:cowboy:

Hi Bill,

Thanks for this interesting insight.

Talking of the dog was it a descendant of Lassie?

I know the dog in Hondo was Lassie dirtied up.

Also, Duke won Lassie in a poker game with's it owner but gave the dog back the next day as he felt guilty.


Mike

I talked to gregg palmer out at winterset. he stated he gets more flak for killing that dog than anything he's ever done. also said that when the dog attacked him in the courtyard scene it scared the you know what out of him.i found him to be a very courteous and accommodating man.:cowboy:

Gregg was a great guy to talk to. We chatted for a few minutes at the VIP dinner and then asked to take a picture, he grabbed my wife and he said I prefer this shot with the pretty lady. I also got the Sunday Symposium and his jokes on video... that is his stories I should say.

I got a note from your friend today Bill... he's on the other site.

This is the first JW western I can remember watching. Despite it not being one of his best performances, it is still one of my favorites. I recall having a crush on Patrick Wayne and loved him with the mustache. I would love to have a remastered version on DVD with the cut footage.

I am hoping to purchase the DVD of Big Jake to replace my VHS copy

I enjoyed Richard Boone's performance in this movie, I also enjoyed seeing him in The Alamo and The Shootist

A decent actor

I talked to gregg palmer out at winterset. he stated he gets more flak for killing that dog than anything he's ever done. also said that when the dog attacked him in the courtyard scene it scared the you know what out of him.i found him to be a very courteous and accommodating man.:cowboy:


Very interesting, it was clear in the movie that neither John Goodfellow or the dog liked each other.

One aspect that did disappoint me regarding this movie was Dukes lack of recognition to the death of both dog and Sam Sharpnose.

:agent:

One aspect that did disappoint me regarding this movie was Dukes lack of recognition to the death of both dog and Sam Sharpnose.
:agent:
I have to agree. Robbie. The ending just seemed to be thrown in for a finish. No regard or remorse was indicated. And like a lot of folks here, I feel there should have been a final scene with Maureen. Nonetheless I feel "Big Jake" is one of Duke's better efforts in his later years.
Cheers - Jay:beer:

I have to concur, the movie ended like it suddenly smacked into a wall.

I always thought that way also, Robbie. It would have made it better to have him at least comment or show sadness at the loss of a lifelong friend or man's best friend. The only flaw in a very enjoyable movie.

Mark

Here is an example of the book. Enjoy!

Mark

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Hey, Mark! That paperback is showing its age. When was the last time anyone saw a paperback selling for 75 cents. (I've got a lot of SF paperbacks from that era).
Cheers - Jay:beer:

Hi dukefan1

Out of curiousity do all the books you have posted follow exactly what is in the film.

Mike

I always thought that way also, Robbie. It would have made it better to have him at least comment or show sadness at the loss of a lifelong friend or man's best friend. The only flaw in a very enjoyable movie.

Mark
I agree. I mean Sam Sharpnose was there to help and after what happened to him....do you mourn him or be happy to have your grandson back? Danged if you do and danged if you don't.

Hi dukefan1

Out of curiousity do all the books you have posted follow exactly what is in the film.

Mike

The books that were written from the screenplay follow the movie pretty close, with maybe a little more attention to detail. The books that were written befor the movies were made are different. They are close in some reguards, and way off in others. Depending on how the screenwriter adapts the book, I guess. Examples: The Sea Chase and True Grit, pretty close with a few different twists. Shepherd of the Hills and The Stars in Their Courses (El Dorado), way different than the movie, but great books non the less.

Mark

Hi all,
I like this film very much. And I like Pat and Ethan in it, never thought about the replacements.
When we watch this film last time with my friend, she asked me: Did Jake returned to the beautiful grandmother at last?
At the end of the film they said: Lets go home...
Regards,
Senta


This is my favorite ending to any Duke film because it gives a "real" glimpse into the relationship between the man and his sons. The humor in asking if Dad's son is his grandson seems genuine and... the look of admiration on Patrick's face that is frozen at the end of the movie is... priceless. Many of John Wayne's later movies did not receive the critical aclaim they deserved. This was a great one, like many others!

hello all.
I have always wondered , what make and model of pocket knife was Jacob McCandles using when he stuck it into the tree and told Jim Davis character to cut down the sheep herder ?
To me , it appears to be an automatic type pocket knife.
I appreciate any and all responses. Thanks, Buck Loner

Who knows, it may have been a Buck knife. :wink_smile:
Probably only the folks in the prop department for the movie would know, and they are probably getting up there in years. Another thought that maybe Ethan or Patrick Wayne may have it in his own personal collection.

While we're here, we'd like to welcome you to the Original John Wayne Message Board, where fans come to have fun! And learn things about John Wayne, too!
Chester :newyear:

Hi Buck,

As Chester says Welcome.
I have also welcomed you here
Welcome to New Members ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Thank you Chester, made me chuckle a bit.
I appreciate your giving me that welcome to the board.
Thanks to you as well EthanEdwards for your welcome. I do appreciate it.
John Wayne is an Icon , a symbol of America that many around the world recognize as something more than an actor. He represents honesty and intergrity ,that there will always be men like him that stand up for the folks that are wronged. Like America , he could always be counted on to stand up to the cheaters and murderers that victimize those less able to defend themselves.
There will never be another like John Wayne.
Now , to find the folks that worked the props for Big Jake, where would you suggest I start. thanks again, Buck

Buck,

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving!

You might try Googling "movie props for sale" and you'll find quite a list of companies that may help you in your quest.

There may also be members on this board who are collectors, who may have some input as well.

Chester :newyear:

Watched Big Jake again last night, and noticed stuntman Chuck Hayward seemed to be everywhere! He was one of the cowboys in the corral as Boone's gang road up, one of the Texas Rangers, Jim Davis' henchman as they tried to hang the sheepman, doubled Richard Boone, etc. Also noticed Jim Burke doubling Duke in a long shot of Big Jake riding along the riverbed with his sons and Sam in tow. Never get tired of watching this film, one of his best from any era!

This was a great movie with another excellent villainous turn from Richard Boone. The only thing I didn't like was the awful acting by Christopher Mitchum.

I agree. Duke took a liking to him, but he just never caught on with the public.

This was a great movie with another excellent villainous turn from Richard Boone. The only thing I didn't like was the awful acting by Christopher Mitchum.

I also agree Chris was not much of a actor. I think Duke put him in a couple of films as a favor to is dad Bob Mitchum. But all in all I love this film.
And I also thank God Duke had on some long johns in the shower scene. There is only so much of Duke I wanted to see.:fear:

I also agree Chris was not much of a actor. I think Duke put him in a couple of films as a favor to is dad Bob Mitchum. But all in all I love this film.
And I also thank God Duke had on some long johns in the shower scene. There is only so much of Duke I wanted to see.:fear:

Yes he was a little past the full frontal stage at 63!

TMI!!!!

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Hey gang! With regard to the "missing" or deleted scenes in Big Jake, Michael Wayne was in charge of Batjac. He was NOT very well liked by most all accounts. He was loyal to his father's interests, sometimes at odds even with Duke.

He refused to release movies (a couple include High & the Mighty & Island in the Sky), for years despite HUGE public demand, as he was mecurial in nature, and was given to unreasonable and highly unrealistic demands at times. Not ALWAYS, mind you, but usually at the worst possible times for the company with regards to the fan base.

He was an incredibly shrewd & gifted business man, but had no problem whatsoever alienating anyone he perceived as an enemy - including family members. I know this looks like an hatchet job on Michael, but anyone who has read anything I've posted here or on IMDb knows of my devotion to JW, and my defense of his image and my disdain for anyone who attacks him. I've said all that to to say this: It would not surprise me at all to find out that Michael had refused to reissue any special editions unless some incredibly insane demands were met. I also would not be surprised if all the extra footage (if it does exist) was destroyed for whatever reason by Michael.

Also...Gretchen Wayne, his widow, took over for him as head of the family business, and from what I know of the situation, she is nearly as unyielding and unreasonable as he was. Ethan and Patrick, on the other hand, are both VERY fine people, and fair-minded regarding their father, his image and enterprise.

Wow..."them's more words I spoke since I knowed ya..."

I forgot one thing...The missing footage could simply be sitting in one of the many Batjac vaults - tucked away unnoticed for nearly 40 years. Maybe we need to conact Ethan and get him on it...

I would love to find some deleted scenes from John Wayne's movies and I find it strange that with the exception of "The Alamo," none has ever been uncovered.

i watched a documentary about jw a couple of years ago and in it one of jw family found a video of the big trail(behind the scenes in colour)cant remember the documentry or much about it.does anyone out there knows anything about it.

i watched a documentary about jw a couple of years ago and in it one of jw family found a video of the big trail(behind the scenes in colour)cant remember the documentry or much about it.does anyone out there knows anything about it.

Can't place it off hand, but take a look here,
Duke's Documentaries- Discussion ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
where ther one's that have been released are mentioned

Can't place it off hand, but take a look here,
Duke's Documentaries- Discussion ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
where ther one's that have been released are mentioned

keith i looked at the list and none of them come to mind,but i think i saw it on the bbc and i cant remember when

keith i looked at the list and none of them come to mind,but i think i saw it on the bbc and i cant remember when

Ringo, I saw this one and I am sure this is where
his children were talking, about it

2004 Hollywood Greats John Wayne (BBC Series presented by Jonathan Ross)