THE BIG SKY

US, 1958, 122 minutes, Black and White.
Kirk Douglas, Dewey Martin, Arthur Hunnicut, Elizabeth Threatt.
Directed by Howard Hawks.

The Big Sky is one of those films which may have been popular enough on release, but was probably dismissed as being rather tame. Now it would be discussed for its style, its themes of the American Adam, and its place in veteran director, Howard Hawks' series of films, especially his Westerns (e.g. Rio Bravo and El Dorado). He stands up well to criticism and, while the pace is leisurely, and there are not too many dastardly or shoot-'em-up sequences, the film communicates the feel of the 1840's and the challenge of exploration and opening up the country. It communicates the human side, the courage and the stupidity of pioneers, It is a likeable film and would be of benefit for American history seminars.

1. The value of recreating a country's history, especially the colourful (not the sensational) exploits of the past?

2. The realities of the exploration of the new world in terms of distances, dangers, nature, hunger, hardships and endurance?

3. The type of men who went on these expeditions, their character, their endurance, their motives. The nature of the pioneering spirit; the boats, hauling, camps, songs, dances?

4. The foundations of modern America on men of Indian, British and French origins? Their clashes, their friendships, the influences of their cultures, their national character traits?

5. The value of trade and commerce in opening up the land? The greed, the treachery, the exploitation of the Indian and his nobility and traditions?

6. The difficulties of communication: French and English temperaments and language; the few who spoke Indian languages; love and lust; the symbolism of the half-witted Indian, 'Poor Devil'?