Something Big Poster

Something Big 1971

★ 5.121 votes108 min📅 1971-11-19

"Sooner or later, Baker will find the right girl. And when he does, he'll swap her for a machine gun. And do something big."

In "Something Big (1971)", Dean Martin stars as Joe Baker, a man with grand ambitions and an even grander sense of humor. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, this quirky Western-comedy blends sharp wit with offbeat adventure as Baker's search for a Gatling gun spirals into chaos.

Director: Andrew V. McLaglen

Cast

Dean Martin
Dean Martin
Joe Baker
Brian Keith
Brian Keith
Col. Morgan
Carol White
Carol White
Dover McBride
Honor Blackman
Honor Blackman
Mary Anna Morgan
Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson
Jesse Bookbinder
Albert Salmi
Albert Salmi
Jonny Cobb
Don Knight
Don Knight
Tommy McBride
Joyce Van Patten
Joyce Van Patten
Polly Standall
Denver Pyle
Denver Pyle
Junior Frisbee
Merlin Olsen
Merlin Olsen
Sgt. Fitzsimmons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Something Big (1971) about?

Joe Baker dreams of doing "something big" and sets his sights on a Gatling gun. His plan spirals into chaos when he kidnaps a woman from a stagecoach, only to realize she's married to a Cavalry commandant. Add in Dover McBride, a woman from his past determined to marry him, and Baker's adventure becomes a tangled mix of romance, comedy, and Old West shenanigans.

Who directed Something Big?

Andrew V. McLaglen directed this 1971 Western-comedy. Known for blending action with humor in his films, McLaglen crafts a story that feels both classic and refreshingly unpredictable.

Who stars in Something Big?

The film features Dean Martin as Joe Baker, alongside Brian Keith, Carol White, Honor Blackman, and Ben Johnson in key roles.

Is Something Big (1971) worth watching?

If you enjoy Westerns with a comedic twist, Something Big delivers charm and laughs. Dean Martin's charismatic performance and the film's lighthearted tone make it a fun, if slightly offbeat, entry in the genre. While not a blockbuster, it's a memorable blend of adventure and humor worth a watch.

How long is Something Big?

Something Big runs for 108 minutes, offering a solid runtime for its mix of comedy, romance, and Western action.

🎥 Trailer

About Something Big (1971) — Dean Martin's Wild Western Comedy Adventure

In "Something Big (1971)", Dean Martin stars as Joe Baker, a man with grand ambitions and an even grander sense of humor. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, this quirky Western-comedy blends sharp wit with offbeat adventure as Baker's search for a Gatling gun spirals into chaos. His plan to "do something big" takes a wild turn when he kidnaps a woman from a stagecoach—unaware she's the wife of a Cavalry commandant. The arrival of Dover McBride, a determined woman from his past, adds layers of complication, romance, and slapstick energy to Baker's already turbulent quest. With a mix of gunplay, humor, and unexpected twists, this film captures the spirit of the Old West with a playful, irreverent twist.

Carol White and Honor Blackman shine as the two women who disrupt Baker's plans, while Brian Keith and Ben Johnson bring rugged charm to their supporting roles. The movie's tone balances lighthearted comedy with the rugged aesthetics of a traditional Western, creating a unique atmosphere where ambition meets absurdity. Whether Baker's dreams are attainable—or even sensible—remains the film's delightful question, wrapped in Martin's effortlessly cool performance.