Tucked away on Amazon Prime’s free-to-watch list is a lesser-known gem from John Wayne’s later career – one that quietly ranks among his very best.
Though it never had the critical acclaim of some of his earlier classics, Big Jake has built a loyal following over the years and now sits comfortably at number six on IMDb’s “Best John Wayne Films” list, with thousands of fans calling it one of the most binge-worthy Westerns of its era.
Set in 1909, the film follows Jacob McCandles – better known as Big Jake – who sets off on a dangerous mission after his grandson is kidnapped by an outlaw gang led by John Fain (Richard Boone). What follows is a gritty, cross-country rescue with plenty of gunfights, dusty trails, and no shortage of Wayne’s signature grit.
Directed by George Sherman – his last film after a 30-year career – Big Jake also marked Maureen O’Hara’s final screen appearance alongside Wayne, and her last role before a 20-year retirement. Their chemistry, sharpened over years of co-starring, brings added weight to the film.
Also in the cast are Wayne’s son Patrick Wayne, Christopher Mitchum, and Western staples like Harry Carey Jr. and Hank Worden.
Although Big Jake wasn’t universally praised by critics on release, many highlighted its exciting finale and classic Western feel. The New York Times urged audiences to “stick it out” for the climactic scenes, describing the rest as “a long prelude” with “conventional spurts of violence.”
The Chicago Tribune found the violence excessive but saw the potential for a stronger film. Meanwhile, Variety complimented the script, direction, and cinematography, even if it too noted the film leaned into “gratuitous” violence.
The Los Angeles Times was more forgiving, calling it “a typical John Wayne Western,” and one that should satisfy fans with its “tried and true combination of action and comedy.” Others, like The Washington Post, criticised the way the film treated its younger actors – suggesting Wayne’s dominance left little room for fresh talent to shine.
Still, even mixed reviews couldn’t dim Wayne’s presence. As The Monthly Film Bulletin put it, Big Jake is “another genial celebration of Big John’s ability to carry a film practically single-handed.”
Financially, the film did solid numbers, grossing $7.5 million in the US. And over time, its legacy has only grown. With strong fan rankings and a place in IMDb’s top John Wayne features, Big Jake has cemented its status as a late-era Western worth watching.
Big Jake is available to stream on Amazon Prime.