Classic Western 'Weites Land' Available on Arte Through May 18

The classic Western film 'Weites Land' will be broadcast on Arte on April 19 and remain accessible in the Arte media library until May 18. The film features Gregory Peck as James McKay, a shipping heir from Baltimore who travels to San Rafael to marry rancher's daughter Pat Terrill, played by Carroll Baker. Major Terrill, Pat's father who controls 10,000 cattle, approves of his future son-in-law, but his foreman Steve Leech, portrayed by Charlton Heston, views McKay as an unwelcome rival due to his own affection for Pat. During McKay's first outing with Pat, Buck Hannassey plays a malicious prank on the Major's guest, prompting Terrill to seek retribution against the Hannassey family—a move McKay opposes on principle, believing violence is not a suitable solution to problems. A long-standing bitter feud exists between Major Terrill and old Rufus Hannassey, centered on a valuable piece of land called Big Muddy, prized for its water resources. This land belongs to Julie Maragon, San Rafael's schoolteacher, played by Jean Simmons. Upon meeting McKay, Julie finds him immediately sympathetic and agrees to sell Big Muddy to him, especially after he commits to allowing Hannassey's cattle access to the water source. This decision sets a dramatic chain of events in motion. The film explores conflicts arising from cattle, land, water, and women in the Western setting.