trying to find the name of a film...

[PJH1990]

all i can remember is that it was one of john's black and white westerns.

one of the characters ( think he was ex military ) new to the area has a compass and goes for a walk, the leading lady then rides off on her horse to find him because she doesn't know what a compass is and believes he's going to get lost.

the whole film revolves around the lady who owns some land her father left her which has a river on it, or close by, and some rival cattle ( not sure of the correct term... ranchmen? ) herders are fighting over the land with john and his buddies...

i know it's a bit sketchy but i enjoyed the film i just can't remember what it was called and wish to watch it again :(

[ethanedwards]

Hi PJH1990,

This one is a mystery!
If you hadn't said it was Duke Wayne and B&W,
on first impression, it almost seems
as if it was The Big Country,
which of course was colour and starred Gregory Peck.

Can't answer this one, perhaps our members can help

[ringo kid]

no idea what the film is pjh1990.unless it's one of his b westerns.

[ethanedwards]

no idea what the film is pjh1990.unless it's one of his b westerns.

In most of his B's, especially the Lone Star ones,
he was nearly always an 'undercover agent'
sent to sort out the problems.
Can't think of one, where he or another was ex-military!

[alamo221]

Sound's like Gregory Peck;s The Big Country. Peck is an ex-seaman, and goes west to marrry his fiance Carrol Baker. Her family is having a range war or something with Burl Ive's family. Peck goes for a ride-taking his compass, and everyone thinks he'll get lost cuz he's a "tenderfoot" (and they'd never seen a compass). He meets Jean Simmons while out investigating her property on his ride. Of course he makes it back. Great Western by the way. Charlton Heston co-stars and Chuck Connors is a baddie.

[ethanedwards]

Hi PJH1990,

This one is a mystery!
If you hadn't said it was Duke Wayne and B&W,
on first impression, it almost seems
as if it was The Big Country,
which of course was colour and starred Gregory Peck.

Can't answer this one, perhaps our members can help

Sound's like Gregory Peck;s The Big Country. Peck is an ex-seaman, and goes west to marrry his fiance Carrol Baker. Her family is having a range war or something with Burl Ive's family. Peck goes for a ride-taking his compass, and everyone thinks he'll get lost cuz he's a "tenderfoot" (and they'd never seen a compass). He meets Jean Simmons while out investigating her property on his ride. Of course he makes it back. Great Western by the way. Charlton Heston co-stars and Chuck Connors is a baddie.

alamo221,
thanks for your similar suggestion,
the more I think about it, it does seem the one.
Here is our profile on
Classic Movie Westerns- The Big Country

[PJH1990]

that looks like the one! except i could have sworn blue in the face that the duke was in it... well thanks very very much guys :) i really enjoyed this film and hope to enjoy it again

[alamo221]

Glad to help. It was on The Westerns Channel a couple months back, and that was the first scene I saw in the film. I then waited to til the next showing to see the whole film. I'm not a big Burl Ives or Gregory Peck fan, but thought they were both great in this. Plus the supporting cast was made up of many of the top stuntmen from Duke's films.

[chester7777]

PJH1990,

A hearty WELCOME to you! Members here at the Original John Wayne Message Board are among the friendliest and most knowledgeable you'll find anywhere, even about things that aren't John Wayne (as you've discovered)!

If you saw the movie a real long time ago, and were maybe not particularly familiar with Duke, it's understandable that a 'famous' face might not be remembered correctly. Fortunately, you were able to recall a number of excellent details that helped alamo221 and ethanedwards pinpoint the movie title for you - great job, guys!!

PJH1990, we look forward to seeing you again!

Chester and the Mrs.

[PJH1990]

thankyou chester.

i saw the film maybe four months ago, but since then i visited the US for three months and a lot of stuff happened so i guess it shouldn't be a shock to me i guess haha.

i have just recently formed a love for westerns new and old, so i'll be stickin around here :D