The Big Trail Overview:

The Big Trail (1930) was a Adventure - Western Film directed by Raoul Walsh and produced by Winfield R. Sheehan.

SYNOPSIS

Pioneers heading for Oregon, led by the Duke in his first starring role, endure the hardships of weather, unfriendly strangers, and internal strife in this sophisticated early sound film. The straightforward Western tale is now overshadowed by its place in history as an early example of Fox's widescreen Grandeur process, its naturalistic sound, and prototypical Wayne performance.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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The Big Trail was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2006.

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Quotes from The Big Trail

Breck Coleman, Wagon Train Scout: Say, Zeke, who was the he-grizzly that just went by?
Zeke: That's Red Flack. He's bullwhackin' for Wellmore. He's gonna whack Wellmore's train clear through to Oregon.
Windy Bill: You reckon you'll ever find out who downed old Ben?
Breck Coleman, Wagon Train Scout: It's just possible that a certain low-down coyote left his sign there.


Red Flack, Wagon Boss: Well, if it ain't Bill Thorpe, hey? I always thought you was hung and planted, I expect.
Bill Thorpe: No, my time ain't arrived yet.
Red Flack, Wagon Boss: But it looks as though it might be drawing close.
Bill Thorpe: Well, I've been promised a hanging bee if I don't get out on the Penzy Belle, and the Captain promised me a necktie party if I set foot on the boat. It's a case of nowhere to go.
Red Flack, Wagon Boss: It appears to me you do your shooting by daylight with too many people looking on, hey?


[Breck speaking over Wendy's grave]
Breck Coleman, Wagon Train Scout: Well, Zeke, old Wendy has gone on another trail.


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Facts about The Big Trail

Gary Cooper was originally offered the role of Breck Coleman and wanted it, but he was under contract to Paramount Pictures, which refused to loan him out. The role was eventually given to John Wayne.
John Wayne's first movie role. Raoul Walsh was having trouble casting the movie when he saw Wayne taking furniture off a truck. Wayne worked for the studio in the prop department.
This was Marion Morrison's first movie role and the producers didn't like his name. They told Raoul Walsh (the director) Morrison needed a new name. Several names were suggested, Mr Walsh had just read about general Anthony (Mad Anthony) Wayne, he suggested Wayne; the studio added John and the rest was history.
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National Film Registry

The Big Trail

Released 1930
Inducted 2006
(Sound)




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Also directed by Raoul Walsh




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Also produced by Winfield R. Sheehan




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Also released in 1930




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