Question 1

How many different versions of The Big Trail were shot simultaneously, and why?

Accepted Answer

Six versions were shot simultaneously: a 70mm Grandeur version for big theaters, a standard 35mm version, and four 35mm alternate-language versions (French, Spanish, German, Italian) with mostly different casts.

Question 2

Why wasn't Gary Cooper cast as Breck Coleman in The Big Trail?

Accepted Answer

Gary Cooper was offered the role but couldn't take it because Paramount Pictures, his contract holder, refused to loan him out to another studio.

Question 3

How did John Wayne land his first major movie role in The Big Trail?

Accepted Answer

Director Raoul Walsh saw Wayne working in the studio's prop department, moving furniture off a truck, while struggling to cast the film, and eventually gave him the role.

Question 4

What historical period is The Big Trail set in, and what real-life event does it reference?

Accepted Answer

The story is set between 1837 and 1845, referencing the first major wave of settlers arriving on the Oregon Trail in 1843.

Question 5

What is unique about Tyrone Power Sr.'s involvement in The Big Trail?

Accepted Answer

This was Tyrone Power Sr.'s sole talking film; he died in 1931, and he played the character Red Flack.

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The Big Trail

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