Sometimes a Great Notion (Never Give an Inch) (1971)
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100% of critics liked it
(12 reviews) -
76% of users liked it
(609 ratings)
Also known as Never Give an Inch, this film was based on a novel by Ken Kesey. Paul Newman (who also directed) stars as Hank Stamper, the oldest son of an Oregon logging family headed by Henry (Henry Fonda). Hank's half-brother, Leeland (Michael Sarrazin), embittered over Henry's treatment… More Also known as Never Give an Inch, this film was based on a novel by Ken Kesey. Paul Newman (who also directed) stars as Hank Stamper, the oldest son of an Oregon logging family headed by Henry (Henry Fonda). Hank's half-brother, Leeland (Michael Sarrazin), embittered over Henry's treatment of his late mother, returns after a ten-year absence to work in the family business. Leeland's presence causes friction with Henry, who resents his prodigal son's hippie mindset, and Hank, who perceives Leeland as a threat to his own position in the family structure. Hank has good reason to feel resentful: before long, his wife, Viv (Lee Remick), has entered into an affair with Leeland. Meanwhile, Henry wages an ongoing battle with the unionized loggers in the region, who threaten reprisals should Henry attempt to continue his business without union help. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Paul Newman
- Written By
- Ken Kesey, John Gay
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics
PG,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1971 Wide
- Studio
- Universal Pictures
Critic Reviews
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J. Hoberman, Village Voice
A New Hollywood movie suffused in Old Hollywood values.
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Stephen Garrett, Time Out New York
It's not a classic, in the sense of being perfectly formed. But the craft work is one of a kind.
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Variety Staff, Variety
The result is rather good -- a sort of contemporary 'western' in the timber territory.
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, Time Out
Newman's handling of the outdoor scenes, especially those involving work, is -- like his own acting -- restrained but powerfully evocative.
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Vincent Canby, New York Times
Surprisingly effective.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Paul Newman
as Hank Stamper
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Henry Fonda
as Henry Stamper
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Lee Remick
as Viv Stamper
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Michael Sarrazin
as Leeland Stamper
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Richard Jaeckel
as Joe Ben Stamper
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Linda Lawson
as Jan Stamper
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Jim Burk
as Biggy Newton
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Lee de Broux
as Willard Eggleston
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Roy Jenson
as Elwood
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Joe Maross
as Floyd Evenwrite
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Roy Poole
as Jonathan Draeger
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Cliff Potts
as Andy
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Dean Smith
as Bit part
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Charles Tyner
as Les Gibbons
- Roy Benson
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Bennie E. Dobbins
as Bit part
- Alan R. Gibbs
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Mickey Gilbert (II)
as Bit part
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Sam Gilman
as John
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Terry J. Leonard
as Bit part
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Fred Lerner
as Bit part
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Gary McLarty
as Bit part
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Hal Needham
as Bit part
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J.N. Roberts
as Bit part
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Fred Zendar
as Bit part
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Fred M. Waugh
as Bit part
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Dick Hudkins
as Bit part
