The Big Trail
Seen it?1930 | 122 min | Drama, Western
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Mystic River or 3:10 to Yuma, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 2 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1930: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Young scout Breck Coleman leads a wagon train along the dangerous trail to Oregon as he tries to get the affection of the beautiful pioneer Ruth Cameron and plans his revenge on the harsh scoundrels who murdered a friend of his in the past.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 60K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Mystic River
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed revenge drama.
Rooster Cogburn
Weeknight WatchAlso stars John Wayne, in another drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
3:10 to Yuma
Saturday SpecialAnother western that's easy to miss.
Meek's Cutoff Sunday Safe BetAnother western, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
How the West Was Won Saturday SpecialAnother western, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Raoul Walsh
- John WayneBreck Coleman
- Marguerite ChurchillRuth Cameron
- El BrendelGus
- Tully MarshallZeke
- Tyrone Power Sr.Red Flack
- David RollinsDave Cameron
- Frederick BurtonPa Bascom
- Ian KeithBill Thorpe
- Charles StevensLópez
- Louise CarverGus' Mother-in-law