Something Big

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"Sooner or later, Baker will find the right girl. And when he does, he'll swap her for a machine gun. And do something big."
  • PG-13
  • 1971
  • 1 hr 48 min
  • 5.7  (1,044)

Something Big is a 1971 Western comedy film directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and starring Dean Martin, Brian Keith, and Carol White. The film is set in Texas in 1870 and follows the adventures of a bandit named Joe Baker, played by Dean Martin, who dreams of pulling off his biggest heist ever. The plot centers around a grand plan devised by Joe Baker, who wants to steal a stash of 200 rifles from a U.S. Army arsenal and sell them to a Mexican revolutionary leader named General Marcos, played by Honor Blackman.

The film opens with Joe Baker living a quiet life on a ranch with a Native American servant named Johnny Moonfire, played by Merlin Olsen. Joe is content with his simple life, but he can't resist the allure of a potential fortune. He recruits a ragtag group of misfits to join him on his quest, including his old friend Sam Foster, played by Brian Keith, a notorious outlaw who rounds up an unlikely crew including a drunken Indian (Ben Johnson), a young cowboy (Harry Carey Jr.), and three Mexican bandits.

Throughout the movie, they encounter obstacles, including bandits, Indians, U.S. Army soldiers, and a love interest, played by Carol White. The film's humor comes not only from the banter between the characters, but also from the ridiculousness of their plan. They face a series of hilarious setbacks, including misplacing their dynamite, getting lost in the desert, and a humorous brawl in a saloon with a group of tough cowboys.

Dean Martin shines in Something Big with his laid-back charm and effortless comedic timing. He effortlessly delivers witty one-liners and memorable quips throughout the film. His chemistry with Brian Keith is a standout, with the two playing off each other's strengths to great effect. Carol White is also delightful as the love interest, bringing a refreshing energy to the film.

The film's Western setting is expertly captured by McLaglen, who creates a beautiful and authentic backdrop for the action. The sweeping landscapes and dusty towns are brought to life with plenty of shoot-outs, horse rides, and even a train robbery. The film's score, by the legendary composer Burt Bacharach, adds an additional layer of fun to the film, with catchy tunes that capture the film's playful tone.

Although the movie is filled with plenty of laughs and good-natured fun, it also has moments of genuine heart. The friendship between Joe and Sam is at the center of the film, with the two men navigating their past and present as they plan their heist. The final scene of the film is both poignant and hilarious, wrapping up the story with a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, Something Big is a fun and entertaining film that combines the best elements of a Western and a comedy. It's a perfect showcase for Dean Martin's comedic talents and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Western genre. Despite being released nearly 50 years ago, the film still holds up as a charming and enjoyable piece of cinema.

Something Big is a 1971 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.

Something Big
Description
Where to Watch Something Big
Something Big is available to watch free on The Roku Channel Free. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Something Big for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1971
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 48 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.7  (1,044)
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