A Big Hand for the Little Lady

A Big Hand for the Little Lady is an engaging 1966 western comedy movie directed by Fielder Cook, boasting a star-studded line-up, including Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, and Jason Robards. The screenplay, crafted by Sidney Carroll, brilliantly places a poker game at the heart of a western story imbued with intrigue and unpredictability, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Smoothly blending elements of comedy, drama, and western-thrillers, A Big Hand for the Little Lady takes place in the late 19th century in Laredo, Texas, where the wealthiest, most discerning men of the West gather for an annual high-stakes game of poker. The five renowned gamblers are played by a band of seasoned character actors, including Charles Bickford, Paul Ford, and Kevin McCarthy, delivering signature performances beside the stellar leads. Jason Robards Jr. portrays the shrewd and cold-hearted billionaire, Henry Drummond, superbly setting the stage for a gripping game of poker.

Henry Fonda's character, Meredith, is a hapless farmer who stumbles upon this high-stakes poker game while his family, including his wife Mary, graceably portrayed by Joanne Woodward, stop off in Laredo. Entranced by the substantial windfall and potential life-changing opportunity, Meredith decides to join the game, leading to events that test familial bonds, courage, and character in unexpected ways. The poker game scenes are filled with tension, showcasing Carroll's skill in line delivery, which dramatically anticipates the scenes to follow.

Meanwhile, both Fonda and Woodward are in their element in this movie, infusing their characters with nuanced charisma and depth. Fonda, as the well-meaning but seemingly over-ambitious farmer, personifies the classic everyman drawn to the allure of swift wealth. On the other hand, Woodward graces the movie with a touch of charm and fragility as Mary, who is apparently starry-eyed and naive.

As the plot builds momentum, viewers can appreciate the undulating complexities and striking suspense that thread the game of poker. When the stakes spin out of control, a surprising turn of events catapults Mary from a mere spectator to a vital participant in the game. The subsequent string of events glowingly unravels Mary's hidden depths and showcases Woodward's talents.

Maureen Stapleton provides laudable supporting performances, and Burgess Meredith shines in a memorable co-starring role. Stapleton as the boarding house owner adds a tinge of dramatic relief to this intense and riveting narrative, while Meredith impressively portrays the town's mysterious and eccentric doctor. They are pivotal in shaping the story’s trajectory and the predominant theme of courage and deception wrapped in this engrossing saga.

The director's ability to intricately weave suspense, wit, and a host of diverse characters into an absorbing story is remarkable. Fielder Cook churns out a classic piece, defying the traditional western paradigm with sheer craft and creative storytelling. The film has a steady pace, another aspect that showcases Cook's rhythmic sensibility, and every scene is tailored to build investment in the characters and drive the narrative forward.

A Big Hand for the Little Lady sets itself apart from other westerns of its time with its unusual blend of themes, ensnaring viewers with a different kind of thrill beyond shootouts and horse chases. It is a film that invites audiences to question appearances, offering unpredictable plot twists and an unforgettable climax.

This film is a commendable cinematic product that finely combines an intriguing narrative with powerful performances. From the foreshadowing opening scenes to the flawlessly structured poker neonates, A Big Hand for the Little Lady is an engaging exploration of human ambition, deceit, and revelations. The stellar performances of the genre-hopping cast brilliantly drive this gem of a movie, making it a must-watch piece of cinematic history.