Sometimes a Great Notion (Never Give an Inch)

1971

Sometimes a Great Notion (Never Give an Inch)

Critics Consensus

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100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 12

77%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 849
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Movie Info

Also known as Never Give an Inch, this film was based on a novel by Ken Kesey. Paul Newman (who also directed) stars as Hank Stamper, the oldest son of an Oregon logging family headed by Henry (Henry Fonda). Hank's half-brother, Leeland (Michael Sarrazin), embittered over Henry's treatment of his late mother, returns after a ten-year absence to work in the family business. Leeland's presence causes friction with Henry, who resents his prodigal son's hippie mindset, and Hank, who perceives Leeland as a threat to his own position in the family structure. Hank has good reason to feel resentful: before long, his wife, Viv (Lee Remick), has entered into an affair with Leeland. Meanwhile, Henry wages an ongoing battle with the unionized loggers in the region, who threaten reprisals should Henry attempt to continue his business without union help. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Cast

Paul Newman
as Hank Stamper
Henry Fonda
as Henry Stamper
Lee Remick
as Viv Stamper
Michael Sarrazin
as Leeland Stamper
Richard Jaeckel
as Joe Ben Stamper
Linda Lawson
as Jan Stamper
Cliff Potts
as Andy Stamper
Sam Gilman
as John Stamper
Lee de Broux
as Willard Eggleston
Jim Burk
as Biggy Newton
Roy Jenson
as Elwood
Joe Maross
as Floyd Evenwrite
Roy Poole
as Jonathan Draeger
Charles Tyner
as Les Gibbons
Alan R. Gibbs
Terry J. Leonard
as Bit part
Mickey Gilbert (II)
as Bit part
Dick Hudkins
as Bit part
Terry Leonard
Fred Lerner
as Bit part
Gary McLarty
as Bit part
Hal Needham
as Racetrack Man
J.N. Roberts
as Bit part
Dean Smith
as Bit part
Bennie E. Dobbins
as Bit part
Fred Waugh (II)
Fred Zendar
as Bit part
Roy Benson
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Critic Reviews for Sometimes a Great Notion (Never Give an Inch)

All Critics (12) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (12)

  • A New Hollywood movie suffused in Old Hollywood values.

    Nov 1, 2011 | Full Review…

    J. Hoberman

    Village Voice
    Top Critic

  • It's not a classic, in the sense of being perfectly formed. But the craft work is one of a kind.

    Nov 1, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Stephen Garrett

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • The result is rather good -- a sort of contemporary 'western' in the timber territory.

    Jun 17, 2008 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • Newman's handling of the outdoor scenes, especially those involving work, is -- like his own acting -- restrained but powerfully evocative.

    Jan 26, 2006 | Full Review…
    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • Surprisingly effective.

    May 9, 2005 | Rating: 3/5

    Vincent Canby

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • Newman starts tunneling under the material, coming up with all sorts of things we didn't quite expect, and along the way he proves himself as a director of sympathy and a sort of lyrical restraint.

    Oct 23, 2004 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Roger Ebert

    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic
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Audience Reviews for Sometimes a Great Notion (Never Give an Inch)

  • Feb 24, 2011
    Okay but overlong logging drama would have benefitted by being a half hour shorter. Has a fine cast, with Lee Remick giving the best performance even though her screen time is limited, but they don't have enough to work with. It just should have been more involving.
    jay n Super Reviewer
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