Giant

Giant, released by MGM in 1956 and based on a 1952 novel by U.S. author Edna Ferber, introduced a national audience to the inequalities in Mexican/non-Mexican white race relations in the southwest. The lasting legacy of the film, directed by George Stevens, has become one about race.

The film opens in the 1920s, when west Texas rancher Jordan “Bick” Benedict (Rock Hudson), marries young Leslie Lynnton (Elizabeth Taylor) while visiting her Maryland estate. So smitten is he that he tolerates observations like “We really stole Texas from Mexico, didn't we?”

Leslie quickly learns that Bick disapproves of her appreciative response to the welcome by the Mexican residents of his ranch, Reata. It is Bick's belief that these people are not their equals.

At Reata, the film introduces Jett Rink (James Dean), a poor white ranch hand resentful of Bick, enchanted by Leslie, and staunchly defended by Bick's sister Luz. Returning Leslie to the house after a day on the range, he accedes to her demand to see the Mexican worker village. Horrified by their living conditions, particularly the illness of a baby named Angel, she demands that Jett take her home to deal with this “scandal.” They arrive to discover that Luz has died in a riding accident. Luz bequeathed Jett the small land parcel on which he has been living and drilling for oil. Rejecting a buy out, Jett hits a gusher, ushering in oil wealth on Reata.

Bick soon discovers that his own family is not the family he expected. In a violent scene Bick forces young Jordy, his son, to ride his birthday pony, resulting in a screaming fit by the child, made all the more galling for Bick when little Angel, now healthy, thanks to Leslie's efforts on behalf of the Mexican rancheros, leaps onto the pony and rides flawlessly. Scenes like this regularly reinforce the distance between the white Texas aristocracy and the Mexican Americans, who are treated as peons, despite their skills.

For young adult Jordy (Dennis Hopper), becoming a doctor faces great resistance from Bick. He pursues his vocation and returns to Reata. He meets Juana (Elsa Cardenas), a Mexican nursing student, with whom he begins a romance, shocking his family when, after a secret wedding, Jordy announces their marriage during a large party at the main ranch house.

Continued business with Bick leads the Benedict family to attend the opening of Jett's grand hotel and airport. Events turn ominous when the hotel salon refuses Juana service, on Jett's direct orders that there be no Mexicans be allowed. Jordy confronts Jett, only to be knocked senseless. Bick beats the drunken Jett to the point that he drops his fists in disgust.

Jordy and Bick then argue intensely as Jordy rages at his father for the racism he has displayed [Page 966]over the years. Bick's protestations hold little sway. The family, sans Jordy, leaves together for Reata.

Upon their return, the Benedicts stop at a diner. Tensions rise when the owner “Sarge” notices Juana and her dark-skinned toddler, the youngest Jordan Benedict. All ignore the rude owner, until Juana tells Bick that little Jordan “wants ice cream, Grandpa.” Bick affectionately orders the treat. Sarge, responds by saying he thought “that kid would want a tamale.” Bick is stilled by his family. It is when a Mexican family enters the diner, only to be refused service and forcibly ejected by Sarge that Bick intervenes, using his name and reputation to insist that the family be treated with respect. Sarge ignores him. When he manhandles the elderly Mexican man in the family, Bick pushes him away. An extended and violent fight scene begins. Bick is beaten brutally and downed, with a sign reading, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone” dropped on his chest as he is covered in food and broken dishes.

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