A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966)

A Big Hand for the Little Lady Poster

A naive traveler in Laredo gets involved in a poker game between the richest men in the area, jeopardizing all the money he has saved for the purpose of settling with his wife and child in San Antonio.

Introduction
"A Big Hand for the Little Lady" is a 1966 American western funny film directed by Fielder Cook, produced by Ira Englander, and written by Sidney Carroll. The movie stars leading stars such as Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, and Jason Robards. The motion picture is likewise known by another title, "Big Deal at Dodge City".

Plot Overview
The plot revolves around a high-stakes poker game in Laredo, Texas, with a few of the wealthiest men of the west getting involved, consisting of Henry Fonda's character, Meredith. He is a reformed gambler traveling with his other half Mary (played by Joanne Woodward) and their young daughter on their way west to purchase a farm.

The household comes across the poker game, and the addicting intoxication of betting overpowers Meredith, who joins the game in spite of his limited resources. He quickly ends up out of his depths and risks his whole family fortune on one last hand, eventually collapsing in the process due to stress. Mary, who declares to understand absolutely nothing about the video game, is then obliged to being in her husband's location to finish the hand, which ends up being a fantastic source of home entertainment for the skilled and callous gamblers.

Comical Elements and Resolution
Joanne Woodward's representation of Mary provides significant comical relief to the film. For much of the film, Mary fumbles hopelessly in between rousing bouts of Matthew's unconsciousness and her efforts to comprehend the rules of poker, obtaining recommendations from anyone going to provide it.

Nevertheless, the genuine twist comes at completion. Mary's apparently helpless confusions develop into triumphant accomplishments as she winds up winning the game. Then suddenly, her household disappears and all the "abundant males" she bet unveil themselves as her accomplices, exposing the managed con to rob the wealthy of their money. The narrative finishes up with these "scam artists" preparing to establish another game in another city, awaiting their next unsuspecting victim.

Important Reception
The film got exceptional praise for its strong efficiencies, especially from Joanne Woodward. The film grows on the strong character arcs, unexpected plot twists, and comical components woven around these appealing characters. The unanticipated plot twist towards completion was much valued by audiences and critics alike, developing "A Big Hand for the Little Lady" as a much-loved classic, for its appealing category blend of western funny and heist movie.

Conclusion

Merging the energy of an old-school western with the craftiness of a well-played con, "A Big Hand for the Little Lady" stays a wonderful look for fans of timeless Hollywood. The movie's confident storytelling, stellar efficiencies, and unexpected twists combine to create a rewarding cinematic experience, illustrating the blurred lines between the roguish world of betting and the deceptive appearance that people typically support.

Top Cast

  • Henry Fonda (small)
    Henry Fonda
    Meredith
  • Joanne Woodward (small)
    Joanne Woodward
    Mary
  • Jason Robards (small)
    Jason Robards
    Henry Drummond
  • Paul Ford (small)
    Paul Ford
    C.P. Ballinger
  • Charles Bickford (small)
    Charles Bickford
    Benson Tropp
  • Burgess Meredith (small)
    Burgess Meredith
    Doc Scully
  • Kevin McCarthy (small)
    Kevin McCarthy
    Otto Habershaw
  • Robert Middleton (small)
    Robert Middleton
    Dennis Wilcox
  • John Qualen (small)
    John Qualen
    Jesse Buford
  • Jean-Michel Michenaud
    Jackie
  • James Berwick
    Sam Rhine