Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Henry Fonda | ... | Meredith | |
Joanne Woodward | ... | Mary | |
Jason Robards | ... | Henry Drummond | |
Paul Ford | ... | C.P. Ballinger | |
Charles Bickford | ... | Benson Tropp | |
Burgess Meredith | ... | Doc Scully (as Burgess Meridith) | |
Kevin McCarthy | ... | Otto Habershaw | |
Robert Middleton | ... | Dennis Wilcox | |
John Qualen | ... | Jesse Buford | |
Jean-Michel Michenaud | ... | Jackie (as Gerald Michenaud) | |
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James Berwick | ... | Sam Rhine (as James Kenny) |
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Allen Collins | ... | Toby |
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Jim Boles | ... | Pete |
Virginia Gregg | ... | Mrs. Drummond | |
Chester Conklin | ... | Old Man in Saloon |
A naive couple and a child arrive to the town on the way to San Antonio, Texas to buy a farm there. There is a poker game between the richest men in the region. The man cannot resist it and though he is a very bad poker player, enters the game betting all the money of his family. In the climax of the game he suffers a heart-attack. His wife then takes his place in the table. That's the only way of recovering their savings. But there is a little problem. Can anybody explain to her how to play poker? Written by Miguel A. Andrade <andrade@gredos.cnb.uam.es>
Never heard of this wonderful movie till American Movie Classics (bless 'em) showed it recently. What a cast!! Jason Robards, Charles Bickford, Joanne Woodward, Henry Fonda, Paul Ford, and Burgess Meredith - how could a movie with such a blockbuster array have received such little attention? (This was the seemingly indestructible Bickford's very last movie appearance, and he looks as robustly granitic here as he did 30 years prior.) Everyone involved puts in fine work; Meredith especially shines as the catankerous yet wistful old doctor. The production values are extremely high; the movie is great-looking, although, truth to tell, the director's background as primarily a television director does show through just a bit. However this entertaining suspense comedy does keep one involved, though I must admit I saw the surprise ending coming. Don't miss this overlooked little gem.