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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 688

The Big Trail

1930117 minUnited States
Western
Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
English
This copy runs
116:41
Subtitles
No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Raoul Walsh · Public domain

Synopsis

Breck Coleman agrees to guide a wagon train west while watching men he suspects of killing a trapper who was his friend. The settlers must cross rivers, deserts and steep terrain, depending on one another for survival. Coleman's growing attachment to Ruth Cameron complicates a journey already divided between responsibility to the group and a private search for justice.

Cast

DirectorsRaoul Walsh

Behind the scenes

The production filmed across seven American states and gave John Wayne his first leading role. It was made in both a conventional format and the early 70 mm Grandeur process; the selected copy preserves the wider composition.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film referenceWikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 12, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

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