The Big Trees

Plot

In 1900 California, ruthless timber baron Jim Fallon arrives in the redwood forests with plans to exploit a new law that allows him to claim vast tracts of land for logging. He discovers that much of the prime redwood territory he wants has been settled by a peaceful Quaker colony led by Elder Bixby, who have established a community called Sequoia. The Quakers, led by the spirited Alicia Chadwick, attempt to persuade Fallon to spare the ancient trees, arguing they should be preserved for future generations. However, Fallon sees only dollar signs in the massive sequoias and uses his business acumen and manipulative skills to try to drive the Quakers out. When Fallon discovers that a rival lumber company is also after the same territory, and when he witnesses the Quakers' genuine commitment to their principles and the majesty of the redwoods, he begins to question his own motives. Ultimately, Fallon forms an unlikely alliance with the Quakers to fight against his even more unscrupulous competitors, leading to a dramatic confrontation that forces him to choose between profit and preservation.

Historical Background

Released in 1952, 'The Big Trees' emerged during a period of significant change in American cinema and society. The early 1950s saw the rise of television as competition for movie theaters, leading studios to produce films with spectacular visuals and location shooting that couldn't be replicated on the small screen. The film's environmental themes, while not explicitly political, reflected growing post-war awareness of natural resource conservation, particularly in California where the redwood forests were facing increasing pressure from logging interests. The movie also came during the height of the Hollywood blacklist era, though its production was not directly affected. The Western genre was evolving from simple good-versus-evil narratives to more complex stories with moral ambiguity, as evidenced by Kirk Douglas's character arc from ruthless businessman to conservationist. The film's release coincided with the early days of the modern environmental movement, which would gain significant momentum in the 1960s and 1970s.

Making Of

The production of 'The Big Trees' was a significant undertaking for its time, requiring the crew to work in some of California's most remote and majestic forest locations. Director Felix E. Feist, known primarily for his film noir work, brought a distinctive visual style to the Western genre, using the towering redwoods to create dramatic compositions that emphasized both their beauty and the characters' vulnerability. Kirk Douglas, who was becoming one of Hollywood's biggest stars, was deeply involved in the production and pushed for stronger environmental themes in the script. The filming in Sequoia National Park presented unique challenges, as the production had to work around the park's conservation restrictions while still capturing the dramatic logging sequences. The special effects team developed innovative techniques for safely simulating tree-felling scenes without damaging any actual trees. The film's score, composed by Max Steiner, incorporated elements that evoked both the majesty of the forests and the tension of the Western drama. The supporting cast included several character actors who were regulars in Warner Bros. productions of the era, bringing authenticity to the period setting.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Sid Hickox is one of the film's standout features, utilizing the towering redwoods to create dramatic compositions that emphasize both the scale of nature and the smallness of human concerns. Hickox employed deep focus techniques to capture both the massive trees and the actors in the same frame, creating a sense of perspective that reinforced the film's themes. The camera work in the logging sequences was particularly innovative for its time, using dynamic angles to convey both the danger and the destructive power of the timber industry. Natural lighting was used extensively in the forest scenes, creating a contrast between the shadowed depths of the woods and the bright California sunshine. The film's visual style successfully balanced the epic scale of its setting with intimate character moments, using the environment as both backdrop and active participant in the narrative.

Innovations

The film achieved several technical milestones for its time, particularly in its location filming techniques. The production developed specialized camera rigs to capture the full height of the redwood trees, creating some of the most impressive vertical shots in cinema up to that point. The logging sequences required innovative stunt coordination and safety measures to simulate dangerous tree-felling without harming the actual forest. The film's sound recording techniques were advanced for the period, capturing both dialogue and the ambient sounds of the forest with clarity. The special effects team created convincing sequences of falling trees using a combination of miniatures, matte paintings, and carefully controlled practical effects. The film's preservation of the actual forest locations during filming demonstrated an early awareness of environmental impact in movie production.

Music

The musical score for 'The Big Trees' was composed by Max Steiner, one of Hollywood's most prolific and respected composers. Steiner's music incorporates both traditional Western themes and more majestic, sweeping passages that evoke the grandeur of the redwood forests. The score uses leitmotifs to represent different characters and ideas, with particularly effective musical cues for moments of environmental destruction and redemption. The soundtrack also includes period-appropriate songs performed by Patrice Wymore's character, adding authenticity to the 1900 setting. Steiner's orchestration makes effective use of brass and woodwind instruments to create a sound that is both American in character and universal in its emotional appeal. The music enhances the film's dramatic moments without overwhelming the natural sounds of the forest, which are also prominently featured in the soundtrack.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Jim Fallon first encounters the massive redwoods, with the camera slowly tilting up to reveal the full height of the ancient trees, establishing their majesty and the scale of the story
• The dramatic confrontation between Fallon and the Quaker community in their meeting house, where the peaceful settlers stand united against his logging plans
• The climatic tree-felling sequence where Fallon must choose between saving the oldest redwood or completing his business deal
• The scene where Fallon witnesses a controlled burn and realizes the destructive power of what he's been doing
• The final shot of the preserved redwood forest with the sunlight filtering through the canopy, symbolizing hope for the future

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception to 'The Big Trees' was generally positive but not enthusiastic. The New York Times praised the film's spectacular scenery and Kirk Douglas's performance, noting that 'the towering redwoods provide a magnificent backdrop for this tale of greed and redemption.' Variety appreciated the film's unusual environmental theme but found the execution somewhat conventional. Modern critics have reassessed the film more favorably, with many viewing it as ahead of its time in its environmental message. The film's public domain status has led to it being rediscovered by film historians who recognize its significance as an early example of environmental cinema. Some modern reviewers have noted that while the film's message is progressive, its execution still relies on many conventional Western tropes of the era.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception in 1952 was moderate, with the film performing adequately at the box office but not achieving the success of other Kirk Douglas vehicles of the period. Viewers generally responded positively to the spectacular forest scenery and Douglas's charismatic performance. Over the decades, the film has developed a cult following among fans of classic Westerns and environmental cinema. Its public domain status has made it widely accessible, leading to a broader audience than many films from its era. Modern viewers often express surprise at the film's progressive environmental themes, with many noting how relevant its message remains in contemporary discussions about conservation and climate change. The film's straightforward storytelling and clear moral framework have made it popular with family audiences and educational institutions studying environmental history.

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