Comedy western in which a traveler bets more money than he can afford in a poker game, and unusual events follow.Comedy western in which a traveler bets more money than he can afford in a poker game, and unusual events follow.Comedy western in which a traveler bets more money than he can afford in a poker game, and unusual events follow.
- Awards
- 1 nomination
- Doc Scully
- (as Burgess Meridith)
- Jackie
- (as Gerald Michenaud)
- Sam Rhine
- (as James Kenny)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDirector Fielder Cook had liked James Berwick's performance so much that he insisted Berwick reprise his television role of barman Sam Rhine in this film, despite his lack of cinema experience. This was Berwick's only screen role of any note, all other appearances being bit parts.
- GoofsThe character "Doc" was played by Burgess Meredith, however in the closing credits his name was spelled "Burgess Meridith".
- Quotes
[upon being offered a poker hand as collateral]
C.P. Ballinger, Banker: Forty-six years ago, I started lending money in Larry Bingham's back room. My first customer was a drover named Penny. He wanted two dollars on a Brindle cow at six percent interest. He said she gave six quarts of milk a day. You know what I made him do? I made him move that cow into my back yard for a whole week. And I watched him milk her every day. Sure enough, she gave an average of six and a half quarts a day, so I gave him the money at six and half percent interest. Not only that, I kept the 60 pounds of manure she left behind. When you show me collateral, madam, you better make sure it's good collateral. For forty-six years, I've been lending money on good, old-fashioned principles. I stand here now to tell you one and all that I've never been offered a better piece of collateral that I hold in my hand now!
- SoundtracksHello, Ma Baby
(aka "Telephone Rag") (uncredited)
Written by Ida Emerson and Joseph E. Howard
Performed by Marilyn Powell
After the game gets going with the whole town just hanging on word of every hand, a very tired trio of pilgrims, Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, and their child Gerald Michenaud arrive in town. They are a sorry trio, especially Fonda who would be a candidate for Gamblers Anonymous if such a thing existed in 1900. Fonda just asks if he could watch, kind of like Arthur O'Connell who hasn't got the price of favors at the bordello in There Was A Crooked Man, but the madam allows him a little fun at the keyhole for old time's sake.
Kevin McCarthy is the one who takes pity on him and in fact this is the first but not the last time he shows gallantry as a true Southern gentleman.
A Big Hand For The Little Lady is a film that's almost impossible to write about without giving away anything. I absolutely dare not go any further in talking about it.
But what A Big Hand For The Little Lady is is that it is a really original idea for a western comedy that I defy anyone to watch without enjoying it. It's not got the rough house type humor that Burt Kennedy or John Ford do in their films, but there are laughs a plenty.
This film turned out to be the farewell appearance on the big screen for Charles Bickford one of the best and most durable character actors the screen ever saw. He's kind of subdued in the film, my guess is that health problems were starting to overtake him. Still he fits the gruff part he has perfectly.
It's a fine film with a surprise twist that beats all.
- bkoganbing
- Apr 12, 2008
- How long is A Big Hand for the Little Lady?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Velika prevara u Dodz Sitiju
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 35 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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