Watch Big Jake

Big Jake is a classic Western movie from 1971, directed by George Sherman and starring the legendary John Wayne in the title role as Jacob McCandles, along with Richard Boone and Maureen O'Hara. The movie is set in 1909 and follows the story of Jake, a cattle baron who has been living a quiet life for the past ten years, after his wife abandoned him and their children.

The plot of the movie revolves around the kidnapping of Jake's grandson Little Jake, who is taken by a group of ruthless outlaws led by John Fain (played by Richard Boone), who demands a huge ransom in exchange for the boy's release. Jake is called upon by his estranged wife Martha (played by Maureen O'Hara) to help in the rescue mission, and together they set out to bring the boy back.

The movie is a classic Western adventure, complete with shootouts, horseback chases, and rugged landscapes. John Wayne is at his best, playing the tough and gritty hero who is willing to risk everything to save his family. His performance in the movie is outstanding, showing both his trademark toughness and his emotional range as he reconnects with his wife and children.

Maureen O'Hara also delivers a remarkable performance as Martha, a woman who is both tough and vulnerable, and who is still drawn to her husband despite their past troubles. She is a strong woman who is not afraid to take charge and fight alongside her husband and son to save Little Jake.

Richard Boone is the perfect villain, playing Fain with a sinister charm that makes him both loathsome and charismatic. He is a ruthless outlaw who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and his showdown with Jake in the final scenes of the movie is one of the highlights of the film.

In addition to the main cast, the movie also features a talented supporting cast, including Bruce Cabot as Sam Sharpnose, Jake's loyal comrade, and Bobby Vinton as Jeffrey, Little Jake's father, who is caught in the middle of the ransom plot.

The movie is well-paced, with plenty of action and suspense throughout, but it also has moments of warmth and humor, particularly in the scenes between Jake and Martha as they reconnect and come to terms with their past mistakes.

Overall, Big Jake is a classic Western movie that has stood the test of time, thanks to its memorable characters, thrilling action sequences, and strong performances from its talented cast. It is a must-see for any fan of the genre, and a testament to the enduring legacy of John Wayne as one of the greatest actors of his time.

Big Jake is a 1971 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 57.