The Big Trail

Synopsis

Breck Coleman guides a massive wagon train of settlers from the Mississippi to Oregon, battling blizzard, desert heat, and Indian attacks. While protecting the caravan, he secretly hunts the two outlaws responsible for his friend's murder, Red Flack and Lopez. He falls for the spirited Ruth Cameron, but must save her from Flack’s grasp. The grueling journey tests every pioneer's resolve, culminating in a final showdown for justice in the deep wilderness.

Critique

Raoul Walsh’s epic western is historically vital for two reasons: it is the first starring role of John Wayne and an early experiment in widescreen cinema. Shot in 70mm Grandeur, it captures the vast American landscape with a scope that wouldn't be matched for decades. Although a box-office failure due to the Depression-era cost of new projectors, its visual grandeur is undeniable. It established the archetype of the trail drive and showcases a young Wayne, whose raw charisma and physical presence foreshadowed the screen legend he would become.

Technical sheet

Director

Raoul Walsh

Year

1930

Country

United States

Running time

122 min

Genre

Drama, Western

Written by

Hal G. Evarts, Marie Boyle, Jack Peabody, Florence Postal

Cinematography

Arthur Edeson, Lucien N. Andriot

Cast

John Wayne, Marguerite Churchill, El Brendel, Tully Marshall, Tyrone Power Sr., David Rollins

Production

Fox Film Corporation

Music

Newly composed original score

Licensing