Sometimes a Great Notion

1971
PG
1h 54m

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

4.6K

YOUR RATING

A family of fiercely independent Oregon loggers struggle to keep the family business alive amidst changing times.

Play trailer2:44

1 Video

87 Photos

Action Adventure Drama

A family of fiercely independent Oregon loggers struggle to keep the family business alive amidst changing times.A family of fiercely independent Oregon loggers struggle to keep the family business alive amidst changing times.A family of fiercely independent Oregon loggers struggle to keep the family business alive amidst changing times.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

4.6K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 2 nominations total

Trivia
This film was the first movie ever shown on HBO when the service premiered in 1972.

Goofs
In the fox hunt scene, when the fox jumps over the fence you can see the fox is wearing a 1/4" black collar with a little tiny bell on it.

Quotes
Hank Stamper: [singing] Don't ever hit your mother with a shovel. It will leave a dull impression on her mind. Paul Newman said the same line in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid".

Alternate versions
In the earliest video release version, circa 1982, when Leeland first arrives, there is a crane shot to reveal Hank looking down below at the family reunion. In the most current VHS release, circa 1994, the crane shot is edited out and is replaced with just a single cut from Viv, with an audio bridge to Hank on the roof.

Connections
Featured in AFI Life Achievement Award: AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Henry Fonda (1978)

Soundtracks
All His Children
Lyrics by Marilyn Bergman and Alan Bergman
Music by Henry Mancini
Sung by Charley Pride

User reviews46

Review

Featured review

Sometimes a great movie!

I saw this seventies movie for the first time last night. It must be one of the greats. The story line from Kesey's book, and the direction by Paul Newman are so closely woven and with such impact that there are times when one is left emotionally bare. There's not a fault in the casting,and the background of logging is nicely interwoven into the action bringing up surprise after surprise. The only flaw might be the glamorization of Lee Remick - I doubt that her character would show such a degree of grooming and cosmetic sophistication, but, as ever, Ms. Remick gives a performance that is impeccable. If awards were ever to come PaulNewman's way for direction and/or acting surely they should for this masterpiece.