Despite Gregory Peck and Charlton Heston being very good actors, Burl Ives offers an extraordinary alternative. Nearly an hour elapses before Ives stomps his way into The Big Country. However, this late introduction proves significant because he steals the picture.

The story takes place near the “Big Muddy.” This watery spot separates the Terrill family from the Hannasseys. Quite simply, it’s a feud between two men, Henry Terrill (Charles Bickford) and Rufus Hannassey (Burl Ives). Caught in the middle we have Henry’s right hand man Steve Leech (Charlton Heston), Rufus’s unwieldy son Buck (Chuck Connors) and the relatively peace-loving James McKay (Gregory Peck). The latter is due to wed Pat Terrill (Carroll Baker), yet his refusal to fight creates more tension.    

I adore every frame of this movie, so here’s a poem:

Riding into destiny free.

Only our hero discovers a rivalry.

Romance not set in stone.

A lady upset by her man’s missing backbone.

Still the Big Muddy calls.

A beautiful setting regardless of walls.

Those barriers between men

grow closer than high strung kin.

Much to make of acting this great.

A word or two about Ives before it’s too late.

He’s the star supporting this canvas

His strength proving mightier than a choir-led bass.

Viewers expecting shootouts, Indians and stagecoaches might emerge deadpan. Meanwhile, I was captivated by William Wyler’s intelligent Western. In short, the emphasis on character, landscape and story feels quite special.

Driven by the musical prowess of Jerome Moross, The Big Country unfolds on a grand and memorable stage. While one narrative appeared to be unfolding, Ives redirects our gaze. His word perfect delivery --winning an Oscar no less -- gives The Big Country a chance to be exceptional.

(Released by MGM/UA and rated "G" by MPAA.)