Little Big Man (1970)

"An important movie by one of our most interesting directors.  The New York Times

Editor's Note LITTLE BIG MAN was significant when it was made because of its editing, which was still being explored in Hollywood at the time as a vehicle for innovative, simple storytelling. Arthur Penn's film of Thomas Berger's bestselling novel demystifies the Old West with its funny, chaotic portrayal of one man's experiences in its closing days. Jack Crabb (Dustin Hoffman), a 121-year-old Indian living in a rest home, relates his incredible life experiences. According to Crabb's somewhat fanciful tales, he was raised by the Cheyenne from the age of 10 only to be seized by whites when he was 15. He then embarks on a string of failed attempts to find a place for himself in the world. These bring him into contact with (among many others) Wild Bill Hickok, the US Cavalry, a former preacher's wife-turned-prostitute, his own spunky frontierswoman sister, and General George Armstrong Custer during the Battle of Little Big Horn. The result is a funny, spiritual film with a humane view of the plight of Native Americans.

	Chief Dan George
	Dustin Hoffman
	Faye Dunaway
	Martin Balsam
	Thomas Berger - Based On Novel By
	Arthur Penn - Director
	Harry Stradling Jr. - Director of Photography
	John Hammond - Musical Score
	Stuart Miller - Producer
	Gene Lasko - Producer
	Calder Willingham - Writer

"This life is not only sinful, it's not much fun." ---- Mrs. Pendrake (Faye Dunaway) on the life of prostitute

Total Film
"Told with an easy wit and a generous humanism, it's a beautiful, funny and tender movie. The best Western you've probably never seen." 02/01/2004 p.116

Uncut
"[T]he film unfolds as a rambling, picaresque folk tale?...Even the saddest and most squalid moments come laced with humour." 08/01/2004 p.130

Sight and Sound
"The narrative is lightly absurd, bouncing impishly in flashback....The film's conspicuous ambitions and merry way with history are finally winning." 02/01/2012

Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide 9 of 10
Sprawling, superb filmization... Rich humor, colorful characterizations, moving tragedy are among ingredients, and they all click.