The epitome of the Hollywood epic soap opera, immortalised by the premature death late in the production by its enigmatic star James Dean. Dean plays a brooding ranch-hand bequeathed a parcel of supposedly arid land upon the death of his employer, but rather than exchange it for a handsome sum, turns it into a profitable oil interest much to the chagrin of his former employer's son (and heir to the estate) Hudson.
Elizabeth Taylor co-stars as Hudson's wife (affecting a reasonable southern drawl), while notable supporting cast features Dennis Hopper and Carroll Baker as the Hudson/Taylor brood (nevermind the age issues), and Chill Wills, Rod Taylor and the very young Sal Mineo have supporting roles of various importance.
I'm not sure if "Giant" would've become so revered had it not been for the fatal accident that claimed Dean's life before its release, suffice to say it's best seen with an intermission to digest the mammoth three hours plus duration. Overall the story is engaging and the cast is attractive, but the execution is all show and little substance.
Elizabeth Taylor co-stars as Hudson's wife (affecting a reasonable southern drawl), while notable supporting cast features Dennis Hopper and Carroll Baker as the Hudson/Taylor brood (nevermind the age issues), and Chill Wills, Rod Taylor and the very young Sal Mineo have supporting roles of various importance.
I'm not sure if "Giant" would've become so revered had it not been for the fatal accident that claimed Dean's life before its release, suffice to say it's best seen with an intermission to digest the mammoth three hours plus duration. Overall the story is engaging and the cast is attractive, but the execution is all show and little substance.