Watch The Big Trail

The Big Trail is a classic Western epic from 1930, starring John Wayne as the lead character, Breck Coleman. Directed by Raoul Walsh, the film is set against the backdrop of a vast wilderness in the 1850s, and follows Coleman and his fellow pioneers on a journey across the country from Missouri to Oregon. The plot follows the story of Breck Coleman, a trapper from the mountains, who meets a group of pioneers heading west. The group is led by a man named Thorpe (Ian Keith), who hires Coleman as one of the wagon drivers for the journey. Coleman's real motive, however, is to track down the man who killed his best friend and seek revenge. As the group sets out on their journey, they face a number of obstacles, including harsh terrain, raging rivers, bandits, and hostile Native American tribes.

Throughout the film, we see Coleman and his companions face numerous challenges, as they encounter different groups of people with a variety of motives, including miners, Chinese workers, and missionaries. Along the way, Coleman develops a love interest in Ruth Cameron (Marguerite Churchill), a young woman who is traveling with her uncle and his family, and who is also being pursued by Thorpe.

One of the highlights of The Big Trail is the stunning visuals, which were captured using the Grandeur widescreen process. This was a state-of-the-art widescreen process that was developed specifically for the film and required a special camera that was wider than traditional cameras. The result is a breathtaking visual experience that truly immerses the audience in the vast landscapes of the American West.

Another standout feature of the film is John Wayne's performance. While he was not yet a household name at the time of the film's release, The Big Trail helped to launch his career as a leading man in Hollywood. Wayne's portrayal of Breck Coleman is nuanced and complex, showing a man who is tough and capable, yet also vulnerable and haunted by personal demons.

The supporting cast of the film is also notable, including Marguerite Churchill as Ruth Cameron, who provides a strong female character who is both intelligent and independent. El Brendel provides comic relief as Gus, one of the wagon drivers, and Ian Keith delivers a memorable performance as the charismatic but sinister Thorpe.

Overall, The Big Trail is a classic Western epic that stands the test of time with its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and thrilling action sequences. It helped to launch the career of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars, and remains a must-see film for fans of Westerns and cinema history.

The Big Trail is a 1930 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.