The Big Killing 1928
"WHEN YOU AIM AT THIS COMEDY YOU'VE HIT A BULLSEYE"
Dive into the slapstick chaos of *The Big Killing (1928)*, a silent-era comedy directed by F. Richard Jones that pits two warring frontier families against a hilariously inept pair of hired guns.
Director: F. Richard Jones
Cast
Wallace Beery
Powderhorn Pete
Raymond Hatton
Deadeye Dan
Anders Randolf
Old Man Beagle
Mary Brian
Mary Beagle - Old Man Beagle's Daughter
Gardner James
Jim Hicks
Lane Chandler
George Hicks
Paul McAllister
Old Man Hicks
James Pier Mason
First Beagle Son (as James Mason)
Ralph Yearsley
Second Beagle Son
Ethan Laidlaw
Third Beagle Son
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Big Killing (1928) about?
*The Big Killing* follows two mountain families locked in a generations-old feud who decide to settle the score with hired guns. But when their sharpshooters prove spectacularly incompetent, the plan spirals into chaotic comedy, turning a deadly scheme into a series of laugh-out-loud mishaps.
Who directed The Big Killing?
The film was directed by F. Richard Jones, a veteran of early Hollywood known for his work in silent comedies and prolific collaborations with stars like Wallace Beery.
Who stars in The Big Killing?
The ensemble features Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton as the leading comedic duo, alongside Anders Randolf, Mary Brian, Gardner James, and Lane Chandler in pivotal roles.
Is The Big Killing (1928) worth watching?
As a silent-era comedy, *The Big Killing* shines for its absurd premise and energetic performances, especially from Beery and Hatton. While it lacks modern pacing, its blend of frontier drama and slapstick humor offers a charming glimpse into early filmmaking fun—perfect for fans of vintage laughs.
How long is The Big Killing?
The film has a runtime of 60 minutes.
About The Big Killing (1928) — A Mountain Feud Turned Silent-Era Comedy Gold
Dive into the slapstick chaos of *The Big Killing (1928)*, a silent-era comedy directed by F. Richard Jones that pits two warring frontier families against a hilariously inept pair of hired guns. When the Hicks clan conspires to end the feud by bringing in sharpshooters to take out their rivals, the Beagles, the plan backfires spectacularly—turning a deadly scheme into a farce of mistaken identities and slapstick mishaps. With its mountain feud backdrop and uproarious misunderstandings, the film blends rugged Americana with the anarchic energy of early comedy, making it a time-capsule of vintage laughs.
Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton headline this 60-minute romp, their chemistry driving the film's absurd momentum. The movie thrives on its contrasting tones—mild tension gives way to rapid-fire gags, as the would-be assassins fumble their way through a comedy of errors. Think *Dumb and Dumber* meets frontier life, where every trigger pull misses the mark and every character is a pawn in fate's grand joke.
