This unusual Western feels dated and is weighed down by complicated discussions of legal and financial matters, though it does have some good moments. Released in 1952 and directed by Felix Feist, "The Big Trees" features Kirk Douglas as Jim Fallon, a lumber baron scheming to get rich in Northern California around 1900 when new legislation opens up large parcels of land for purchase. His plan involves cutting down the magnificent redwoods, but he encounters a group of homesteaders who resemble Quakers and are determined to protect the largest of these sacred trees—the very ones Fallon wants. Edgar Buchanan portrays Walter "Yukon Lucky" Burns, Fallon’s sidekick who later becomes the marshal in the Redwood area. The film is a remake of Warner Brother's “Valley of the Giants,” made fifteen years prior. Douglas apparently worked without pay to get out of his contract with WB, but it doesn’t show; he delivers his usual energetic performance. The old-fashioned style might not appeal to contemporary audiences, but the environmental theme was certainly progressive for its time. However, the story feels sluggish because the dialogue is bogged down in complex legal and financial details—you almost need a degree in California land law to understand what's going on. Fallon (Douglas) finds himself attracted to Alicia Chadwick (Eve Miller), who embodies religious ideals, while he’s also linked to Dora “Daisy Fisher” Figg (Patrice Wymore), a blonde showgirl. Speaking of her, Patrice Wymore is striking and has a memorable song-and-dance number that's almost worth the admission price—particularly when she… well, never mind. There are other enjoyable scenes as well, such as one illustrating just how old the redwoods are (they were already fully grown when William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066). You’ll also see fistfights, a falling tree that destroys a cabin, an explosion at a dam, an exciting runaway train sequence, a large trestle collapsing under the train's weight, a character’s sacrifice, and some worthwhile lessons. I should note that the script incorrectly claims “The Lord helps those who help themselves” is from the Bible. It’s a good saying, but it isn’t Scripture. Keep an eye out for Alan Hale Jr., best known as the Skipper from "Gilligan's Island," playing Tiny. "The Big Trees" has a running time of 1 hour and 29 minutes and was filmed in Redwood Groves, Orick, and Eureka, California. The screenplay by John Twist and James R. Webb was adapted from Kenneth Earl’s novel. GRADE: B-/C+

Source on TMDB