A Big Hand for the Little Lady

Overview of the film

A Big Hand for the Little Lady is a 1966 comedy-drama starring Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward and Jason Robards. The story follows a man named Meredith Willson, who takes his wife and children on a trip to a small town for a poker tournament. But when Meredith falls ill, his wife must take his place in the tournament! Can she bluff her way to victory against some of the most seasoned players in the game? A Big Hand for the Little Lady is an entertaining and heartwarming story thats sure to bring a smile to your face.

But whats even better is the stellar performances from Fonda, Woodward, and Robards. With a unique blend of comedy and drama, the trio bring this classic film to life and make it a classic for generations to come. So, if youre looking for an enjoyable movie night, look no further than A Big Hand for the Little Lady!

Genre and reception

A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966) is a western comedy-drama that blends its genres seamlessly. But how did audiences react to this hybrid genre? Well, the film was generally well-received, with critics praising its clever blend of drama and humour. The movie was even nominated for an Academy Award for its screenplay. The film was also a box office success, proving that audiences enjoyed the blend of western and comedy genres. It seems the hybrid approach to genre can be both successful and entertaining.

Set in a small Western town

Set in a small Western town, you cant help but feel the charm of A Big Hand for the Little Lady. From the quaint storefronts to the close-knit community, you can almost feel the dust in the air and hear the horses in the distance.

But the film isnt just a lighthearted romp through a typical Western town. Underneath the surface, there are some darker themes at play, like the fact that the town is filled with con men and hustlers. Its a reminder that even in the quaintest of places, danger lurks.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hand

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hand are the two protagonists of the movie A Big Hand for the Little Lady. One may ask, what makes them so special? Well, they are a married couple who, despite the odds, have managed to remain strong and loving throughout their marriage. They are not afraid to take risks and stand up for what they believe in, even if it means putting their money on the line. As they face a high-stakes poker game, they must rely on each other to find a way to win. Who will come out on top? The answer lies with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hand.

High stakes poker game

But what about the high stakes poker game? Its a game that can make or break a man, and in A Big Hand for the Little Lady, thats exactly what happens. Have you ever been in a game of such stakes? Im guessing not, but I can tell you the tension was palpable in the room. The mens faces were stoic, their hands clenched into fists. And yet, when the dust settled, the little lady had won it all.

Mrs. Hand steps in to play

Mrs. Hand steps in to play, you might ask. Yes, she does! In the classic 1966 film, A Big Hand for the Little Lady, Mrs. Hand finds herself in a tricky situation.

She is at a high stakes poker game, and when her husband falls ill, she steps in to take his place. Mrs. Hand is not a professional gambler, but she is a formidable opponent.

She wields her wit and courage to outsmart the experienced players at the table and take home the winnings. This is a story of courage and ingenuity and Mrs. Hands courage is an inspiration to us all.

Joanne Woodward as Mrs. Hand

Joanne Woodward as Mrs. Hand is one of the most memorable performances in the film. From her quiet strength and resilience to her fiery responses to the men in the poker game, Woodward brings her character to life with aplomb. But what makes Woodwards performance so special? Is it her ability to convey Mrs. Hands inner strength with a few well-chosen words? Or is it her ability to use body language to show her characters resolve?

The answer is, of course, both. Woodward is able to create a fully realized character with her nuanced performance, and her portrayal of Mrs. Hand is nothing short of remarkable.

Henry Fonda as Mr. Hand

Henry Fonda is one of the most iconic actors of all time, and his performance in A Big Hand for the Little Lady is no exception. But what makes his turn as Mr. Hand so special? How does he embody the character so perfectly?

Well, for starters, Fonda gives an understated performance, allowing the script to be the star. He never overreaches, instead turning in a nuanced performance that speaks volumes without a single word. Hes able to convey a lifetime of regret, desperation and hope in a single look, truly making Mr. Hand an unforgettable character.

Whats more, Fonda brings an all-American quality to the role. He makes Mr. Hand a man of principle, a man that stands for something, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Hes a hero that we can all root for, a man who embodies the best of us.

Kevin McCarthy as Sheriff

Kevin McCarthy was the perfect actor to portray Sheriff Paul Bixel in the 1966 classic A Big Hand for the Little Lady. But what made him so perfect for the role? Was it McCarthys ability to bring a sense of gravitas and authority to his roles? Or was it his charisma and wit? We may never know, but one things for sure–McCarthys performance as Sheriff Paul Bixel was a memorable one.

Paul Ford as Biggs

Paul Ford as Biggs is a standout part of the 1966 classic, A Big Hand for the Little Lady. His performance as the eccentric millionaire, Biggs, is both hilarious and endearing. But, how did Ford make the movie so memorable?

He brought a boldness to the role that made it more than just a caricature. From his signature expressions to the way he interacted with his co-stars, Ford created an incomparable character. His comedic timing was spot on and his mannerisms brought a unique charm, making Biggs a fan favorite.

Its no wonder Paul Fords performance as Biggs remains so celebrated. He brought an unmistakable energy to the movie that audiences still love.

Jason Robards as Mr. Calhoun

What does it mean to be a great actor? Jason Robards as Mr. Calhoun in A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966) demonstrates just that. Robards pulls off the role of the wealthy and morally questionable businessman with aplomb, making us question if his character is truly as bad as he appears. His performance is so convincing, you cant help but wonder: Is he really a hero, or a villain? Robardss powerful performance as Mr. Calhoun leaves no doubt in our minds as to why he was one of the most revered actors of his time.

Directed by Fielder Cook

Directed by Fielder Cook, A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966) is a classic western comedy that won two Emmy Awards. But how did Cook come to direct it? Was it just luck, or did Cook have some prior experience that led him to the role? Cook had been working in the television industry since the late 1940s, and had directed a number of popular series such as The Defenders and The Nurses. It was this experience that allowed him to bring a unique and comic touch to the movie, which made it a hit with audiences.

Written by Sidney Carroll

Sidney Carroll was the writer of the 1966 movie, A Big Hand for the Little Lady. But what do we know about the man behind this classic film? What kind of person was he?

Carroll was a man of many talents. He was a writer, an actor, and a producer. He wrote many screenplays and plays, including The Desperate Hours and The Last Mile. His work was often praised for its tight, intricate plotlines and its abundance of witty dialogue.

Carroll himself was also an interesting individual. He was a highly educated man, who attended both UCLA and Harvard. He was also a passionate advocate for social justice. His work was often highly critical of the establishment, and he often wrote about the plight of the downtrodden.

Produced by Martin Ransohoff

Produced by Martin Ransohoff, A Big Hand for the Little Lady is a classic western comedy that was released in 1966. But what can you expect from a producer with such an impressive resume? Ransohoff has produced numerous award-winning films throughout his career, including The Cincinnati Kid and The Americanization of Emily.

So when you hear that A Big Hand for the Little Lady was produced by Martin Ransohoff, you know youre in for a film that offers a unique blend of comedy, drama, and suspense. With such a talented producer in charge, the film is sure to be a success.

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards

Nominated for two Academy Awards in 1967, A Big Hand for the Little Lady was an incredible success. The film was nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing, and it went on to win the former. It was incredible to see a film about a small-town poker game receive such recognition from the Academy. But what made this nomination even more special was the fact that the film was produced on a shoestring budget. It goes to show that, with a great story and a talented cast and crew, you can achieve great things, even on a budget. Its no wonder the film was nominated for two Academy Awards.

Positive reviews from critics

Positive reviews from critics were plentiful for A Big Hand for the Little Lady. Critics praised the performances of the entire cast, from the lead stars to the supporting players. But it was the films wit and light-heartedness that truly won them over.

But why exactly did critics love this movie so much? Perhaps it was the fact that it was a throwback to the classic Western genre, with a modern, comedic twist. Or maybe it was the clever writing and heartwarming story. Whatever the reason, its clear that A Big Hand for the Little Lady was a hit with critics.

Box office success

A Big Hand for the Little Lady was a box office success when it was released in 1966.

But how successful was it?

Well, the film was the tenth highest-grossing movie of the year, earning over $4 million at the US box office.

Whats more, it was the highest-grossing film in the United Kingdom for three consecutive weeks.

Its clear that the film was a hit with audiences, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.

Classic Western comedy

Classic Western comedy is an interesting genre, isnt it? We often think of Westerns as being serious, dusty tales of justice and revenge, but a classic Western comedy like A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966) is proof that the genre can be funny, too. The film follows a family of down-on-their-luck con artists who enter a poker game and find themselves in way over their heads. Its a perfect blend of the Western genre with the comedy of a heist movie, and a must-watch for anyone who wants to see a fun and unique take on the classic Western.

An enduring cult classic

A Big Hand for the Little Lady is an enduring cult classic that has stood the test of time. What makes it so special? Is it the perfect balance of drama and comedic elements? Or is it the timeless story of the small-town folk versus the big-city sharks? Could it be the stellar performances from the likes of Henry Fonda and Joanne Woodward? Whatever the reasons, theres no denying that this movie has secured its place as a true cultural classic.

A beloved family-friendly film

A Big Hand for the Little Lady is a beloved family-friendly film. You may be asking yourself, why is this movie so beloved? Well, it offers viewers a classic western romp, with plenty of humor and heart. It stars a young Henry Fonda and Joanne Woodward as two strangers that team up to win a high-stakes poker game. The movie offers something for everyone, from its comedic moments to its heartfelt moments, making it an ideal movie night choice for families. Its lighthearted nature and timeless plot make it a classic that can be enjoyed by all.