A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966)

80% of users liked it
(275 ratings)

The action in A Big Hand for the Little Lady centers around a high-stake poker game. The participants include some of the wealthiest men in the West (among them Jason Robards Jr., Kevin McCarthy, Charles Bickford and Paul Ford). Into this rarefied atmosphere trudges impoverished farmer Henry Fonda,… More The action in A Big Hand for the Little Lady centers around a high-stake poker game. The participants include some of the wealthiest men in the West (among them Jason Robards Jr., Kevin McCarthy, Charles Bickford and Paul Ford). Into this rarefied atmosphere trudges impoverished farmer Henry Fonda, who despite the protests of his wife Joanne Woodward plunks down his last dollars to join the game. Halfway through the proceedings, Fonda falls ill. With quiet desperation, Woodward sits down daintily at the table and says in a firm voice, "Gentlemen, how do you play this game?" End of story? Not by a long shot! This O. Henry-style shaggy dog story is based on a Dupont Show of the Week TV presentation Big Deal at Laredo. Keep an eye out for two movie veterans in bit parts: silent screen comic Chester Conklin and 1930's leading lady Mae Clarke. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Fielder Cook
Genres: Western, Drama, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 12, 1966 Wide
On DVD: Nov 6, 2007

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Pleasant but relatively thin western comedy.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Although you don't have to like poker to like the movie, you might have to have a certain tolerance for TV-type movies.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...the film works despite the handicaps. A Big Hand for the Little Lady is a charmer.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cindy I

Joanne Woodward is pretty good as the meek little wife who has to take her husband's (Henry Fonda) place at the poker table after he falls ill. She of course knows nothing about the game and learns as she goes against some obnoxious town moneybags, one of whom is Jason Robards… More
Joanne Woodward is pretty good as the meek little wife who has to take her husband's (Henry Fonda) place at the poker table after he falls ill. She of course knows nothing about the game and learns as she goes against some obnoxious town moneybags, one of whom is Jason Robards Jr. Saying any more would be spoiling the fun.
jay n

Charming comedy with wonderful supporting cast.

Cast

            Henry Fonda as Meredith

            Joanne Woodward as Mary

            Jason Robards as Henry Drummond

            Charles Bickford as Benson Tropp

            Burgess Meredith as Doc Scully

            Kevin McCarthy as Otto Habershaw

            Robert Middleton as Dennis Wilcox

            Paul Ford as Ballinger

            John Qualen as Jesse Buford

            Max Allan Collins as Toby

            Gerald Michenaud as Jackie

            Virginia Gregg as Mrs. Drummond

            Chester Conklin as Old Man in School

            Mae Clarke as Mrs. Craig

            Ned Glass as Owney Price

            James Griffith as Mr. Stribling

            Noah Keen as Sparrow

            Milton Selzer as Fleeson

            Louise Glenn as Celie Drummond

            William Cort as Arthur

            Jim Boles as Pete

            Percy Helton as Arthur's Father

            James Kenney as Sam Rhine

            Allen Collins
            
            James Berwick
            
See full cast