Big John macht Dampf

This is one of my favorite all-time movies. Dan Blocker gives one of his best performances and his interpretation of Ralph Waldo Emerson's 'Essays on Self-Reliance' is inspiring. Dan is a blacksmith the town has trusted to bring the railroad to them. When it then locates nearby, they ostracize him. Dan's efforts to stand alone and woo his true love make up the core of the movie. Worth seeing. Other performances are awesome as well. Susan Clark is beautiful and tough as Dan's teacher. Some of the best character actors in Hollywood turned up in this one. Watch for Iron Eyes Cody, Edgar Buchanan, Dub Taylor and Henry Jones in hilarious performances. Warren Oates, Don Stroud and John Dehner make suitably nasty bad guys. You won't be disappointed.

Absolutely one of the best movies I have ever seen. I have wanted a copy of this movie for a long time. The character portrayed by Dan Blocker showed courage and perseverance in the face of difficulties. Our nation was built on the type of independence, persistent effort, and hard work this movie characterizes. I really wish someone would make it available. As far as I know, it has only been on TV. I was lucky to see it.

This is one of those great television movies. It shows the power of human courage, love and never giving up on yourself . . . regardless of what other people think of you. Too bad it's sitting on a shelf somewhere collecting dust and not being appreciated. It's scenically beautiful too!! It's a movie for the heart, soul and eyes.

I was one of the lucky few that happened to get to see this movie on TV way back when, that will give you some idea of my age. (66).(Ha, Ha). I would give just about anything to be able to see it again, but I have been looking now for some time on line for someone that might know how or where I might get a copy, on DVD or VHS, but have had know luck. I for one think that it gave Dan Blocker a chance to show that he was an excellent actor. And it's a shame that we are unable to have the privilege of seeing him at work from time to time in our homes. I hope that who ever has the copy rights too this movie, will release then so that a DVD can be made, and be sold to the general public. I would sure like one and I'm sure that there are a lot of other fans of his that would be interested in having one for their collection's also.

By far this was Dan Blocker's best movie role. He is sensitive, shy and awkward. He plays the town blacksmith, upon whom the citizen's have relied to lead them to where the railroad will come. It misses by a few miles and Dan is ostracized. But when he seeks to learn to read the local school marm becomes his love interest. Soon he is quoting Emerson and his regained confidence leads to a happy end for everyone. But not before the local bad guys try to do him in and get the money for themselves. This film is by far better than any of his work in Bonanza and gave Dan Blocker the opportunity to stretch a little as an actor.