Advertised as a comedy when originally released, LITTLE BIG MAN is much, much more than that. Director Arthur Penn's sweeping film depicting the clash of the Indian and white cultures will have you chuckling one moment, then shaking your head sadly at man's inhumanity to man the next. Dustin Hoffman as the ever industrious Jack Crabb takes this movie on his shoulders and carries it superbly. To say that the actor shows some "range" in this role is the epitome of an understatement: from portraying an adolescent teenager to a fragile 121-year-old-man (phenomenal makeup job), from snake-oil salesman to mule skinner, Hoffman brings Jack's fascinating life to splendorous glory. And Hoffman is funny--darn funny--with a wonderful knack for physical comedy. In addition to Hoffman, LITTLE BIG MAN offers other savory treats. Richard Mulligan is absolutely delightful as a narcissistic General George Armstrong Custer--the stunning Faye Dunaway positively wicked as naughty Mrs. Pendrake. Chief Dan George, who portrays Old Lodge Skins, Jack's adopted Cheyenne grandfather, delivers countless one-liners, yet lends a quiet, heartfelt dignity to his role. In fact, this is a movie one will wish to savor again and again--a beautifully crafted, well-made film that is timeless in its ability to entertain.--D. Mikels
Carol Androsky | |
Dustin Hoffman | Jack Crabb |
Faye Dunaway | Mrs. Louise Pendrake |
Jack Bannon | Captain |
Chief Dan George | Old Lodge Skins |
Martin Balsam | Mr. Merriweather |
Richard Mulligan | Gen. George Armstrong Custer |
Jeff Corey | Wild Bill Hickok |
Aimée Eccles | Sunshine |
Kelly Jean Peters | Olga Crabb |
Carole Androsky | Caroline Crabb (sister) (as Carol Androsky) |
Robert Little Star | Little Horse |
Cal Bellini | Younger Bear |
Ruben Moreno | Shadow That Comes In Sight |
Steve Shemayne | Burns Red In The Sun |