Sometimes a Great Notion

Sometimes a Great Notion

17/12/1971 1h 54m 7.0/10

Overview

Hank Stamper and his father, Henry, own and operate the family business by cutting and shipping logs in Oregon. The town is furious when they continue working despite the town going broke and the other loggers go on strike ordering the Stampers to stop, however Hank continues to push his family on cutting more trees. Hank's wife wishes he would stop and hopes that they can spend more time together. When Hank's half brother Leland comes to work for them, more trouble starts.

Director

Paul Newman

Top Billed Cast

Paul Newman

Paul Newman

Hank Stamper

Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda

Henry Stamper

Lee Remick

Lee Remick

Viv Stamper

Richard Jaeckel

Richard Jaeckel

Joe Ben Stamper

Michael Sarrazin

Michael Sarrazin

Leland 'Lee' Stamper

Linda Lawson

Linda Lawson

Jan Stamper

Reviews

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

3/26/2022

5/10

For the most part, this is just an excuse for Paul Newman and Henry Fonda to make a movie together. Much of it consists of extended shots of the logging industry at work, as he and his father work hard with their family business despite a strike that is affecting neighbouring outfits and causing local resentment. When younger son "Lee" (Michael Sarrazin) returns home after an indecent with an oven, some weed and the fire department the family, which also includes an underused Lee Remick, have to make some very tough decisions. Of course you just know that some form of sabotage will happen, and also that tragedy is going to follow - and that really robs this of any jeopardy as it floats along towards quite an entertaining conclusion (though that may have as much to do with Henry Mancini's toe-tapping score). As an observation of how grit and determination can sometimes win out, it has it's moments; but otherwise it is a colourful but rather disappointing story.

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