“Bick, you shoulda shot that fella a long time ago. Now he’s too rich to kill.”
Key Points
Uncle Bawley’s words capture the tension within the Benedict family, foretelling the rise of Jett Rink, whose solitary oil well on Reata land symbolizes the dawn of a new era in Texas. This pivotal moment in Edna Ferber’s sprawling western saga comes to life in George Stevens’ 1956 film adaptation, “Giant.”
The Story Unfolds: From Love to Legacy
“Giant” tells the story of Jordan “Bick” Benedict (Rock Hudson), a wealthy cattle baron who travels to Maryland to purchase a horse from Dr. Horace Lynnton (Paul Fix), a prominent social figure. During his stay, Bick meets and marries Lynnton’s beautiful daughter, Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor). He transports her from the lush, green countryside of Maryland to his vast, dusty ranch in Texas, called Reata—a 600,000-acre cattle spread he runs with his sister (Mercedes McCambridge) and Mexican farmhands.
Leslie’s arrival at Reata marks the beginning of significant changes. With her refined upbringing, she refuses to let Texan traditions hinder her from being considerate and helpful to the Mexican workers. As Leslie transforms from an Eastern delicate flower into a resilient matriarch, Bick transitions from a cattle rancher to an oil millionaire, spurred by his competition with Jett Rink (James Dean), a despised ranch hand who strikes oil on Reata land.
A Marriage of Tenderness and Turbulence
At its heart, “Giant” is an intimate story of compromise and adjustment. Leslie learns to adapt to her new surroundings without compromising her values, becoming such an integral part of the ranch that no one can imagine Reata without her. Bick, on the other hand, learns that life on Reata cannot remain the same as it was under his father’s rule. He comes to accept that his children want to pursue their own paths, leading to a subtle yet powerful finale where his racial views are completely transformed.
The evolving Benedict family symbolizes the changing state of Texas itself, moving away from its agrarian roots towards modernity. Leslie’s influence and the advent of oil—a substance that transforms humble farmers into millionaires—push out old-fashioned notions of bigotry, child-rearing, and gender roles. The oozing black gold brings with it new wealth, new ideas, and new challenges.
The Making of a Classic
When Edna Ferber’s epic novel was published in 1952, it received mixed reactions. Texans resented being portrayed as racially intolerant and despised the character of Jett Rink. Despite the criticism, the book’s popularity led Hollywood producers to vie for the film rights. Ferber chose Warner Brothers, drawn by George Stevens’ dedication to faithfully adapting her story.
Stevens considered several big names for the leading roles, including Grace Kelly, William Holden, and Montgomery Clift. Ultimately, he chose Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean. Hudson, then 29, demonstrated his dramatic acting chops as Bick Benedict. Taylor, at only 23, reached new heights as a dramatic actress, giving Leslie a depth that was lacking in the novel. James Dean, a rising star, brought a raw intensity to the role of Jett Rink.
The supporting cast included seasoned actors and fresh faces. Mercedes McCambridge played Bick’s tough sister, Luz. Jane Withers, called out of retirement, portrayed the Benedicts’ neighbor and Leslie’s best friend. Chill Wills charmed as Uncle Bawley, while Paul Fix, Carroll Baker, Dennis Hopper, Sal Mineo, Earl Holliman, Elsa Cárdenas, Rod Taylor, Judith Evelyn, Carolyn Craig, and Victor Millan rounded out the cast.
Bringing Reata to Life
Location shooting for “Giant” began on June 6, 1955, in Marfa, a small town south of Pecos, Texas. The cast and crew spent two months filming scenes in and around Reata, capturing the vast, rugged landscape that defined the Benedicts’ world.
Themes and Legacy
“Giant” explores themes of love, wealth, and transformation against the backdrop of a changing Texas. Leslie’s strong will and progressive values challenge the status quo, while the discovery of oil propels the Benedict family—and Texas—into the modern era. The film addresses racial and social issues, reflecting the shifting attitudes of the time.
The film’s success owes much to the performances of its leads. Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor bring depth and nuance to their roles, while James Dean’s portrayal of Jett Rink adds a layer of complexity to the story. Stevens’ direction, coupled with William C. Mellor’s cinematography and Dimitri Tiomkin’s score, creates a sweeping, unforgettable epic.
“Giant” remains a classic, capturing the spirit of a bygone era and the transformations that shaped modern Texas. Its blend of intimate storytelling and grandiose scale ensures its place in cinematic history, a testament to the enduring power of love, legacy, and change.
