A Big Hand for the Little Lady
Directed by Fielder Cook
Written by Sidney Carroll
1966/USA
Eden Productions Inc.
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Dennis Wilcox: Now look, mister, the first rule of the game of poker, whether you’re playing eastern or western rules, or the kind they play at the North Pole, is put up or shut up![/box]
A fine ensemble cast ensures an enjoyable movie despite the underwhelming plot payoff.
The setting is the Old West. The richest men in the territory save up all year for one high stakes poker game. They are in the midst of this when farmer Meredith (Henry Fonda) and his wife Mary (Joanne Woodward) show up with their little boy looking for a room in the hotel/saloon. Meredith is evidently a compulsive gambler and is attracted to the game as a fly to honey. As per the title, Mary ends up having to play his hand. With Charles Bickford in his last role, Jason Robards, Kevin McCarthy, Burgess Meredith, John Qualen, and Paul Ford.
It’s an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours for sure. I think with a little tweaking the movie could have been really memorable. No way to discuss further without spoilers.
