So much average

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Not that 7.5/10 is a horrible fan average, but this here is a whole lot better than most if not every single similar contorted film that is heralded as an absolute classic.Why, this should be way up there at the top. It's got every ingredient needed, and is really superbly constructed, down to the little details in dialog, acting and plot.All actors are superb in their respective, various and well defined roles. The gorgeous, warm Joanne Woodward in particular does superbly well, because it really was no easy task on paper reading the story.While, as often, the film starts seemingly a little slow, as soon as we're introduced to the main characters it's nonstop, meaningful, captivating to the very last scene action.Great ending too...Top notch cinema. 8.5/10.

BHFALL is not your typical Western: the Wild West is being tamed and here in Texas at the turn of the Century we have a new West; professional rich men who hold a once a year poker game for the highest stakes.When Henry Fonda rolls in all innocent and joins in the fun begins.This is great little movie, full of character, and surprises.My only gripe is the noise is a bit much with everyone delivering their lines at foghorn levels but this has a charm and an energy that it's hard not to enjoy.Recommended.

Annual high stakes poker tournament in 1880s Laredo, Texas attracts a hen-pecked husband whose wife has to take his place at the card-table after tragedy strikes. Set-bound western with the emphasis placed more on the personalities of its characters rather than the action. It certainly isn't bad, though the pacing tends to drag and the humor (built completely on the one odd circumstance) wears thin. There's a neat twist ending however, and Joanne Woodward gives a very good performance (as her husband, Henry Fonda has a mostly thankless role). The screenplay was adapted from the early '60s television play "Big Deal in Laredo" (a better title!) which featured Walter Matthau. ** from ****

Once a year, the biggest money men in the territory get together and put their year's savings on the table at the biggest poker game no one from outside the region knows about. This game is an exclusive event that takes place behind closed doors. However when Fonda stops in town to get his wagon fixed along with wife and young son, his wife catches the eye of one of the players. This fact, along with the fact that Fonda is carrying enough cash to buy a small spread near San Antonio, results in the poker-starved Fonda being allowed to sit in on the game. What transpires from there is humorous, entertaining, and surprising.This film benefits from its humorous and none-too-serious demeanor, it's fine cast, and a clever storyline. Although the story may drag along for a while, it never comes to a complete stop, and the actors are engaging. There are no big gunfights or lots of action, but the way the story resolves itself is well worth the investment in your time to watch the movie. If you're looking for an entertaining time with a western-comedy, this should fit the bill nicely!