Little Big Man

Directed by: Arthur Penn
Screenplay by: Calder Willingham
Based on: Little Big Man by; Thomas Berger
Produced by: Stuart Millar
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Martin Balsam, Jeff Corey, Chief Dan George, Faye Dunaway
Music by: John Hammond
Production company: Cinema Centre Films
Release date: December 23, 1970
Content: Adult

Plot: The movie starts with a narration by 121-year-old Jack Crabb, recounting his life story to a historian. In 1859, Jack and his sister Caroline survive their parents' massacre by the Pawnee. They are found by Shadow, a Cheyenne brave, who brings them to his village. While Caroline escapes, Jack stays and is raised by the kind tribal leader, Old Lodge Skins. Jack unintentionally becomes enemies with another boy, Younger Bear, but later saves his life, earning the nickname "Little Big Man."

In 1865, Jack gets caught by U.S. Cavalry soldiers in a fight, and gives up his Cheyenne heritage to avoid getting killed. Jack is taken in by Reverend Silas Pendrake and his wife Louise, who is feeling sexually unsatisfied and attempts to seduce Jack. When Jack sees Mrs. Pendrake having an affair with the soda shop owner, he leaves the Pendrake family and rejects his foster parents and their religion.

In 1866, Jack starts working as an apprentice for snake-oil salesman Meriweather. They both face consequences when their customers discover that Meriweather's products are fake. Among the angry customers is Jack's sister Caroline, who he reconnects with. Caroline tries to transform Jack into a gunslinger known as "the Soda Pop Kid". Jack crosses paths with Wild Bill Hickok at a saloon, and they hit it off. However, after witnessing Hickok defend himself by killing a man, Jack decides to give up gunslinging. Caroline then abandons him.

End of Spoilers

HOME SCRIPTURE BOOK REVIEWS POETRY RECIPES GARDENS FILM REVIEWS	Little Big Man Directed by: Arthur Penn Screenplay by: Calder Willingham Based on: Little Big Man by; Thomas Berger Produced by: Stuart Millar Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Martin Balsam, Jeff Corey, Chief Dan George, Faye Dunaway Music by: John Hammond Production company: Cinema Centre Films Release date: December 23, 1970 Content: Adult Plot: The movie starts with a narration by 121-year-old Jack Crabb, recounting his life story to a historian. In 1859, Jack and his sister Caroline survive their parents' massacre by the Pawnee. They are found by Shadow, a Cheyenne brave, who brings them to his village. While Caroline escapes, Jack stays and is raised by the kind tribal leader, Old Lodge Skins. Jack unintentionally becomes enemies with another boy, Younger Bear, but later saves his life, earning the nickname "Little Big Man." In 1865, Jack gets caught by U.S. Cavalry soldiers in a fight, and gives up his Cheyenne heritage to avoid getting killed. Jack is taken in by Reverend Silas Pendrake and his wife Louise, who is feeling sexually unsatisfied and attempts to seduce Jack. When Jack sees Mrs. Pendrake having an affair with the soda shop owner, he leaves the Pendrake family and rejects his foster parents and their religion. In 1866, Jack starts working as an apprentice for snake-oil salesman Meriweather. They both face consequences when their customers discover that Meriweather's products are fake. Among the angry customers is Jack's sister Caroline, who he reconnects with. Caroline tries to transform Jack into a gunslinger known as "the Soda Pop Kid". Jack crosses paths with Wild Bill Hickok at a saloon, and they hit it off. However, after witnessing Hickok defend himself by killing a man, Jack decides to give up gunslinging. Caroline then abandons him. End of Spoilers Review: Okay, to begin with I'll explain the "Adult" rating I've given this film. While typing this review and pondering some of the content; I decided to rate this adult content. Based on some of the less savoury aspects of the film. Such as prostitution and gambling. Two topics best left to parents to talk to their children about. Now with that out of the way, back to the film and popcorn. The film is a fascinating look at one man's story. Jack is either a legend and the oldest man in America at the time. Or he's really a great liar and good at spinning a yarn. His journey through the West and through time as he grows up is the darndest yarn you'll hear in a long time. From a young rascal adopted into an Indian tribe to a gunslinger. Plenty for you to take in. As well as plenty for you to try and separate the lie from the truth. Just be sure to have plenty of popcorn when you watch this one. MJ Flack