Giant Movie Review 1956

Based on the Edna Ferber novel, this epic saga covers two generations of a wealthy Texas cattle baron (Hudson) who marries a strong-willed Virginia woman (Taylor) and takes her to live on his vast ranch. It explores the problems they have adjusting to life together, as well as the politics and prejudice of the time. Dean plays the resentful ranch hand (who secretly loves Taylor) who winds up striking oil and beginning a fortune to rival that of his former boss. Dean's last movie--he died in a car crash shortly before filming was completed.

Distribution

Baker & Taylor Inc., 2709 Water Ridge Pkwy., Ste. 500, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: (704)357-3500, Toll-free: 800-775-1800, Email: btinfo@btol.com, URL: http://www.btol.com

Available on VHS
Running time 201 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Marriage, Farm Livin', Black Gold, Top Grossing Films of 1956, Books to Film: Edna Ferber, Texas, Family Drama

Screenplay

Ivan Moffat, Fred Guiol

Cast

Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean, Carroll Baker, Chill Wills, Dennis Hopper, Rod Taylor, Earl Holliman, Jane Withers, Sal Mineo, Mercedes McCambridge

Cinematography

William Mellor

Director

George Stevens

Producer

Warner Bros.

Awards

Oscars 1956: Director (Stevens); AFI 1998: Top 100; Directors Guild 1956: Director (Stevens), Natl. Film Reg. 2005.