The story of Something Big
Joe Baker isn't your typical Western antihero. He's an aging outlaw with a dream—and that dream, frankly, is something big. The problem is, accomplishing something big requires a Gatling gun, and the black marketeer who has one wants payment in an unusual currency: a woman. Baker doesn't hesitate. He stages a stagecoach robbery, snatches what he thinks is an easy mark, and rides off into the desert convinced he's made a shrewd deal. Except he's made a catastrophic mistake. The woman he's kidnapped isn't some random traveler—she's the wife of a cavalry commandant. Things spiral from there. A spurned fiancée named Dover McBride shows up, determined to drag Baker back east and force him to honor a marriage promise he made four years earlier and has no intention of keeping. What unfolds is equal parts slapstick, romantic entanglement, and outlaw scheming, all wrapped in the kind of light-hearted Western comedy that doesn't take itself seriously for a single frame.
Behind the making of Something Big
Director Andrew V. McLaglen brought considerable Western pedigree to this 1971 project. McLaglen had spent years working in television and film, and he understood the rhythms of genre comedy—how to let scenes breathe, when to pile on absurdity, and when to pull back. The film was produced by McLaglen himself alongside screenwriter James Lee Barrett, a partnership that clearly aimed for a romp rather than a meditation on the Old West. The cast assembled around star Dean Martin was no accident. Martin, by 1971, had already proven he could carry both straight dramatic roles and comedies with equal ease. Alongside him, Honor Blackman brought sophistication and dry wit as the kidnapped wife, while Brian Keith, playing the cavalry commandant, delivered the kind of authoritative, slightly pompous performance the role demanded. Ben Johnson rounded out the ensemble as a scout, and Albert Salmi played the morally flexible gunrunner. The film's opening theme was composed by Burt Bacharach and David, lending it a jaunty, almost playful tone—though curiously, the song itself isn't performed by Martin. The production involved three separate companies: Stanmore Productions, Cinema Center Films, and Penbar Productions, suggesting a moderately ambitious studio backing for what was ultimately a mid-tier Western comedy. At 108 minutes, the film doesn't overstay its welcome, a choice that works in its favor given the lightweight nature of the material.
What makes Something Big stand out
Here's what's striking about Something Big: it doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is. There's no moral weight, no grand statement about the frontier or manifest destiny. It's a comedy, and it commits to that fully. Dean Martin's performance as Baker walks a fine line—he's charming enough that you understand why people keep getting dragged into his schemes, but also clearly out of his depth, which is where the humor lives. What's really working in the film's favor is the chemistry between Martin and Blackman. Their scenes together crackle with a kind of adversarial flirtation that feels earned rather than forced. The thing nobody mentions is how well the film understands the mechanics of physical comedy. There are moments—a botched kidnapping, a cavalry chase, the inevitable complications of mistaken identity—that land because McLaglen stages them with precision. The performances anchor everything. Blackman, in particular, refuses to play the damsel in distress; she's sharp-tongued and resourceful, which elevates every scene she's in. Brian Keith, meanwhile, commits fully to the role of the exasperated commandant, delivering his lines with the kind of theatrical indignation that makes even thin material sing. That said, critics were divided. The film holds a 5.3 rating on IMDb, which tells you something about its uneven reception, though audience reviews suggest it's more entertaining than that score implies—a case where the film's modest ambitions actually work against it in retrospective critical evaluation.
Where to stream Something Big online
Finding Something Big has gotten easier in recent years, as the film is now available on major OTT services. Rather than hunting through multiple platforms yourself, Movie OTT aggregates current streaming availability so you can see exactly where the film is playing right now—whether that's on subscription services, rental platforms, or free ad-supported options. The "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page will show you every platform currently carrying the title, updated in real time. Availability varies by region and changes seasonally, so checking that widget before you settle in to watch is the smartest move. Don't waste time clicking around—Movie OTT does that legwork for you.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed Something Big?
Andrew V. McLaglen directed the film in 1971. McLaglen was an experienced hand in television and Western films, bringing a light comedic touch to the material.
Q: Is Something Big based on a true story?
No, Something Big is an original screenplay by James Lee Barrett. It's a fictional Western comedy with no historical basis.
Q: What is the official tagline for Something Big?
The tagline reads: "Sooner or later, Baker will find the right girl. And when he does, he'll swap her for a machine gun. And do something big." It captures the film's absurdist premise perfectly.
Q: How long is Something Big?
The film runs 108 minutes, a lean runtime that keeps the comedy moving without excessive padding.
Q: Where can I watch Something Big right now?
Check the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page. Movie OTT tracks current availability across all major streaming platforms, so you'll know instantly which service has it available in your region.
Final thoughts on Something Big
Something Big isn't a masterpiece, and it doesn't pretend to be. It's a mid-tier Western comedy from 1971 that understands its own modest ambitions and executes them with competence and charm. If you're in the mood for something light, with strong performances from Martin and Blackman and the kind of plot that doesn't require much mental heavy lifting, it's absolutely worth your time. The film's tongue-in-cheek approach to the Western genre feels refreshing even now, and the pacing keeps things moving. Don't expect profound insights into frontier life or human nature—just expect to be entertained by a likable cast doing their best with material that's fun precisely because it refuses to be serious.
