Big Jim McLain

He made a good impression as a federal agent in this early film, & set the stage for his 2 cop films later on.

This is not one of Wayne's better known movies, but it is great with the pairing of him and Arness as investigators for the House Commitee on Un-American Activities. In reference to another reviewer's remarks, I think that is one of the big reasons why this movie is not as popular and has not been given the kind of exposure most of the Duke's movies receive.Hollywood will never forget the fact that John Wayne, James Arness, Ronald Reagan, and other brave souls were willing to put their acting careers on the line to stand against the Communists in this country. The socialists in the entertainment industry and the media cartel continue to this day to play that same old whine about McCarthyism and those "innocent" people who were hurt during the "Red Scare" of the 50's.The problem with that old myth is that when the archives of the former Soviet Union were made available to researchers it vindicated the concerns and actions of those very investigations. Those so-called "innocents" were not so innocent after all. Our government, academia, and the media/entertainment (propaganda) industry were indeed infested with Communists and their sympathizers. This is even true today. Communism is not dead. Just look at most of the policies promoted by politicians.That is one really good reason to see this film not simply for it's entertainment value, but for it's historical value. John Wayne was a true patriot who cherished liberty and was willing to speak out against those who would threaten it. America has alot of problems, but collectivism is NOT the answer!

Some have dubbed this a political thriller; others have denounced it as pure camp. I prefer to think of it as another John Wayne movie: part history lesson, part propaganda, part travelogue, part romance, all fun. Even the opening credits are a hoot, each blown away by the storm raging behind them. A clear signal that this wasn't supposed to be taken so seriously, after all, the piece was riddled with humor (I especially liked the Dragnet type narration and approach). To those who have gotten a bit prickly about the subject matter, think of this as a period piece that bespeaks of an age and an attitude prevalent during that time. It's a bit late in the day to be offended by the Un-American Activities Committee (it was, after all, abolished in 1975).Watch the movie for what it is: a faux police procedural. Does it work as such or not? I found it mildly interesting, the characters colorful (Hans Conried as nutcase, Batman's butler the bad guy). There were tips to collect, people to question (most with ulterior motives), Nancy Olson to woo, a jealous boyfriend to fend off, and a free-for-all fistfight. The ending might be a bit unsatisfactory but that's the way it was. I liked it and I'm keeping it to watch again.

A mix of Dragnet meets an American James Bond set in Hawaii. A classic 1950's anti-communist movie reminiscent of the radio series I was a communist for the FBI. The Duke when he was in fighting shape taking on the sly corrupt double talking communists and communist sympathizer who threatened American Freedom during the Cold War just as they continue to do today. Simple in its formulation, too simple for many who are looking for more of a Hollywood story instead of the gritty feel of a "From the Files of the FBI" the only thing Hollywoodish about this is the star and setting. Too bad this originally came out against the McCarthy era and Alger Hiss reactions because now all these years later when history has proven out the Communist infiltration a of our bureaucracy back in those days and their many plots and intrigues and other plots against us. The fight against tyranny goes on.

This film is dripping with red, white, and blue with a little "God Bless America" playing in the background mixed in. Self-righteous? Sure! But who cares?. In "Big Jim McLain," John Wayne is at his unapologetic patriotic best! He is the quintessential American icon who loves freedom and hates collectivist (Communism, Socialism, etc.) type government. This movie was released in 1952 during the Korean War and only a few years after the fall of China to the "Reds" and the establishment of the Warsaw Pact in eastern Europe. This picture (along with films like "Blood Alley" and "The Green Berets") were Mr. Wayne's effort to show how freedom-loving Americans fought hard to rid the world of the hideousness that is/was Communism. So, if you are the type of person who gets a little something in their eye when the national colors are paraded by,a tingling throughout your body with the playing of our anthem, or love John Wayne and everything he stood for, then you need to see this movie. For all others go watch "Doctor Zhivago."

If you take this movie seriously and evaluate Wayne's actions as pro-American or un-American, you may not like it, or even find it confusing. In a like fashion, check out the Wayne movie "Green Berets". Viet Nam Vets have been known to kick out their TV's when watching it because it made Viet Nam into a patriotic adventure.I sincerely respect people who challange the "reality" of some of Wayne's movies... especially when he interjects his politics. I think the whole world knows by now that John Wayne made Reagan look like a pinko.Being an absolute Wayne fanatic, I simply view "Green Berets" as having to do with a fictional war in a far off place. I don't hear "Viet Nam"....AND when I watch "McLain"..I view Big Jim as battling a bunch of "Bad Guys" and tune out the "Commie" business. Doing this allows me to simply enjoy Wayne do his thing. IF/When I want politics I watch the news channels.So cool it everybody and enjoy the biggest "movie star" in history (who turned himself into a pretty fair actor).

great movie

Excellent

ok

Bel film poliziesco degli anni Cinquanta avente come oggetto un traffico di sigarette alla marijuana nelle Hawaii. Film senza scene macabre. L’unica scena d’azione alla fine del film. Per il resto, più una commedia che un film appunto d’azione. John Wayne (Jim McLain) nei panni di un investigatore federale; Nancy Olson (Nancy Vallon) che cade tra le braccia di Jim McLain come una pera matura; James Arness (Mal Baxter) giovanissimo, aiutante di Jim McLain. Ho ammirato i paesaggi delle Hawaii, stato americano a me caro. Ricordato nel film anche l’attacco a Pearl Harbor del 1941, con scene commemorative per i marinai morti durante l’azione. Alcune scene con battute comiche. Solo per gli appassionati del genere e soprattutto per gli appassionati di John Wayne.

I am a John Wayne fan! I must make tell you from the start. So if this review seems a little or even a lot prejudice, it probably is and I do not apologize! This is not his usual western, war or cop adventure. Although He always played himself, he was a complex man and I found this adventure to be an unusual departure from his normal movies. This is a great adventure movie, without giving anything away, I can only recommend that if you like John Wayne too, watch and enjoy it too.