 From the novel by Edna Ferber Giant is just that, a movie of huge scale and grandeur in which cattleman Bick Benedict (Rock Hudson), his society-gilded wife Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor), wrangler-turned-oil-baron Jett Rink (James Dean in his final film role) and three generations of land-rich Texas sons and daughters love, swagger, connive and clash in a saga of family strife, racial bigotry and conflict between cattle barons and newly-rich oil tycoons. With its picture and soundtrack vividly restored for its 40th anniversary, Giant is one of the most enduring achievements of director George Stevens (Gunga Din, Swing Time, A Place In The Sun, Shane, The Diary Of Anne Frank), who won his second Academy Award for this movie. Hudson, Dean and Mercedes McCambridge earned three of the nine other Oscar nominations bestowed on this adaptation of Edna Ferber's legendary bestseller. Added attractions: Newsreel and introduction by George Stevens, Jr., as well as the original and reissued theatrical trailers, behind-the-scenes documentaries, Hollywood premiere featurette and New York premiere TV special. It's also one of the most beloved works of director George Stevens, who won an Academy Award for this film, one of the 10 Oscar nominations the film earned. "As intimate as a letter from home, Giant is a masterwork." -- Chicago Daily News "...It's a joy to watch [James Dean] employ the Method to create a character that's both vulnerable and hard-edged. " -- San Francisco Cast Notes: Elizabeth Taylor (Leslie Lynnton Benedict), Rock Hudson (Jordan 'Bick' Benedict), James Dean (Jett Rink), Carroll Baker (Luz Benedict II), Jane Withers (Vashti Snythe), Chill Wills (Uncle Bawley Benedict), Mercedes McCambridge (Luz Benedict older), Dennis Hopper (Jordan Benedict III), Sal Mineo (Angel Obregon II), Rod Taylor (Sir David Karfrey [as Rodney Taylor]), Judith Evelyn (Mrs. Nancy Lynnton), Earl Holliman (Bob Dace), Robert Nichols (Pinky Snythe), Paul Fix (Dr. Horace Lynnton), Alexander Scourby (Old Polo [head vaquero, Reata Ranch]). User Comment: Wayne Malin (waynemichael_98@yahoo.com) Boston MA • The lives of a Texan family over the course of about 40 years. There are multiple story lines dealing with death, marriage, racism, alcoholism, etc etc all beautifully directed (try to see it on a big screen or letter-boxed) and well acted. Despite its 3 1/2 hour length, the film is never dull. Elizabeth Taylor is just great as the mother of the family; Rock Hudson is a little stiff, but has moments; James Dean is just great in what was to be his last role; Dennis Hopper is interesting as their son (he's so YOUNG!). This movie never seems to have gotten the recognition it deserved. Why not? Well worth seeing again and again and again... Summary: BIG, sweeping multigenerational saga IMDb Rating (07/29/13): 5.9/10 from 61,659 users IMDb Rating (04/02/13): 6.4/10 from 17,883 users
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