I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

"A Big Hand for the Little Lady," begins with credits rolling as we see a horse-driven hearse speed across a variety of Western landscapes. The area is central Texas, well north of "San Antone." Charles Bickford (as Benson Tropp) stops at two places to summon Jason Robards (as Henry Drummond) and then Kevin McCarthy (as Otto Habershaw) to join him. In each stop, a woman calls out after the fleeing man, pleading that he not go now, "not now." That is the only hint of comedy until well into the picture. Yet, we viewers know that this is supposed to be a Western comedy, so we're on our toes waiting and watching for the humor. We get a dose of it in the characters around the room of the closed poker game. But, that belies a more clever comedy in this story. And, that may start to play out at different times for different viewers. For me and probably many others, that happens when Henry Fonda (as Meredith) shows his poker face as he picks up his cards one at a time with a huge pot on the table. It's so obvious that we realize something must be afoot. I think that's the biggest, most obvious poker face ever done in a movie.This film isn't of the big laughs variety. Rather, it is a movie of clever scripting, some surface funny lines, and a deeper, entertaining plot. As other reviewers have done, I'll also refrain from giving it away. Except to say that I guessed the outcome correctly; but then enjoyed watching to see how it played out.The cast for this film is outstanding. All give excellent performances. But, I think one stands out. Jason Robards is the classic cur in this film. He plays Henry so well that he's a delight to watch. His lines are among the funniest in the whole film. Toward the end of the film, Joanne Woodward (as Mary) says, "Gentlemen all. All such gallant gentlemen." Henry replies, "Well, we're gallant on Sunday. This is Friday and we're playing poker. Now you wanna play with us, you ante up $500."This is a most enjoyable movie – fit for the whole family.

If you're not familiar with BIG HAND, I urge you not to read anything that even hints at a spoiler before you see it. It would be a shame to ruin the whopper of a surprise ending, or any of the other startling developments along the way in this fresh and inventive Western comedy. From the opening credits, the sure-footed plot grabs the viewer and just gets more and more engrossing, until that climactic twist. The story of a high stakes annual poker game that spins out of control, it boasts great dialogue in the repartee around the table, a cast of vivid characters, fine pacing, and impeccable performances by all, right down to the bit players. Paul Ford, that consummate scene stealer, here too carries off the picture as an irascible banker. But he gets plenty of competition from the rest of the cast. Henry Fonda, a master at portraying anxious, conflicted characters, grows increasingly frantic as a farmer with a gambling problem (strange that Hitchcock only used him once, as an innocent musician accused of a crime in THE WRONG MAN. Fonda would have been terrifying in Jimmy Stewart's parts in VERTIGO, in REAR WINDOW, in THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH. But I digress.). Kevin McCarthy, John Qualen, Robert Middleton, Charles Bickford, and Jason Robards, Jr. each play distinct and likable rogues as Fonda's adversaries in the game (although Robards is on full volume a little too much). Burgess Meredith does a memorable turn as the put-upon town doctor. As the little lady of the title, Joanne Woodward shines as Fonda's delicate, long-suffering wife who shows her steel when she must take matters in hand with these raucous men to save the family fortune. To divulge more would be criminal. Love this little classic, even on repeat viewings.

An unusual western with no villains, gunfights, barroom brawls etc. Nice to see a western with regular people. Kids who see westerns must think that the west was really wild in every town. Simple plot of meek husband and wife and child who come to town in the midst of a popular once a year poker game going on. They get mixed up in it with lots of fun and twists. Great cast with the always reliable Henry Fonda and Joanne Woodward and a super supporting cast. The young boy playing their son had great expressive eyes and was ideal in his role. Some might figure out what's going on, but don't think too hard. Just sit back, relax and enjoy what you see. Nice DVD transfer as well. Would have been nice to have included a commentary by Woodward as she is the only surviving cast member I believe. For a big time delight see this BIG HAND FOR THE LITTLE LADY.

After an extremely frustrating evening, I stumbled onto TCM's presentation of "A Big Hand for the Little Lady". WOW ! what a pleasure it was to see a wonderful movie I've been looking for, for a long time.This movie has everything a movie needs. I truly can't understand how some users thought it was too long, and was "slow". It does take time for all the characters - with such a stellar cast ! - to be developed, and the story to build, you know ! Does everything HAVE to happen all at once? AND, I don't think those guys who say the plot-twists were obvious......sure fooled me ! Fielder Cook (TV-director or not) got the best performances out of his cast, from the brilliant script by Sidney Carroll. Henry Fonda ("Meredith") and Joanne Woodward ("Mary") headed a cast to die for and played their roles with total conviction. Jason Robards, Paul Ford, Charles Bickford, Burgess Meredith, Kevin MacCarthy, Robert Middleton and John Qualen, et al, were as good as a cast can be - everyone delivering solid characters.Shame on those users who wrote too much and gave-away the plot. This is a film to enjoy - get involved in - every minute. Nothing is wasted in this production. It should be in every collection, even ones for families. I'm looking for it, beginning right now. I rate it as 20.This movie is one of those which deserves to be given another release, with all the hoopla - Bravo!