The Big Country (1958): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1958, The Big Country is a drama, romance and western film directed by William Wyler, running about 166 minutes. “Big they fought! Big they loved! Big their story!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Retired wealthy sea captain Jim McKay arrives in the vast expanse of the West to marry fiancée Pat Terrill. McKay is a man whose values and approach to life are a mystery to the ranchers and ranch foreman Steve Leech takes an immediate dislike to him. Pat is spoiled, selfish and controlled by her wealthy father, Major Henry Terrill. The Major is involved in a ruthless civil war, over watering rights for cattle, with a rough hewn clan led by Rufus Hannassey. The land in question is owned by Julie Maragon and both Terrill and Hannassey want it. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. in 2006.

Who’s in it. The Big Country stars Gregory Peck as James McKay, Jean Simmons as Julie Maragon, Carroll Baker as Patricia Terrill and Charlton Heston as Steve Leech, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.6/10, The Big Country has been warmly received by audiences. It went on to earn $3.5M at the box office.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, MGM Plus and Amazon Prime Video with Ads and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Big Country page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Big Country tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.