Rock Hudson and James Dean (whose last film this was before his death in a car crash) were both nominated for Oscars in this sprawling, towering adaptation of Edna Ferber's novel of cattle and oil barons.

The publicity described the film as 'bigger than Texas itself' and director George Stevens, who did win an Oscar, was able to endow it with a wealth of detail.

He also took a courageous stand over the exploitation of Mexican workers.

The first two-thirds of the film are stirring stuff, but its grip relaxes rather too much towards the end, and Dean grapples rather unsteadily with his character once it has progressed to middle age.

The young Elizabeth Taylor stirs the blood as the gal both men love.