John Wayne stars as Jacob ‘Big Jake‘ McCandles, with Richard Boone as John Fain, and Maureen O’Hara as Martha McCandles in the 1971 Western ‘Big Jake’.
Main cast
- Jacob ‘Big Jake’ McCandlesJohn WayneMain
- John FainRichard BooneMain
- Martha McCandlesMaureen O’HaraMain
- James McCandlesPatrick WayneMain
- Michael McCandlesChristopher MitchumMain
- Little Jake McCandlesEthan WayneMain
Supporting cast
- Sam SharpnoseBruce CabotSupp
- GillespieGlenn CorbettSupp
- DawsonHarry MorganSupp
- LizzieVirginia CapersSupp
- DuffyJohn DoucetteSupp
- O’BrienJohn AgarSupp
Guest & voice
- Tijerina (in opening scene)Roy JensonGuest
- Stuttering bandit (uncredited)Gregg PalmerGuest
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About this cast
Big Jake is a 1971 American Western film directed by George Sherman and starring John Wayne as Jacob ‘Big Jake’ McCandles, a rugged rancher tasked with rescuing his grandson from a violent gang led by John Fain. The film also features Maureen O’Hara as Martha McCandles and Patrick Wayne as James McCandles.
FAQs
Who plays Big Jake in Big Jake?
John Wayne plays the title character Jacob ‘Big Jake’ McCandles.
Who plays the villain John Fain in Big Jake?
Richard Boone plays the antagonist John Fain.
Is Big Jake based on a true story?
No, the story is fictional, though it draws on Western tropes and was inspired by the kidnapping narrative common in the genre.
Who directed Big Jake?
The film was directed by George Sherman.
What year was Big Jake released?
Big Jake was released in 1971.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026