When thinking of Western films, most people imagine legends like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. But decades after its release, A Big Hand for the Little Lady stands out as a hidden gem. This underrated film stars Henry Fonda and Joanne Woodward and takes place in Laredo, Texas. The story follows Fonda’s character, a reformed gambler named Meredith, who puts his life savings on the line in a high-stakes poker game.
Today, the film is praised for turning Western tropes on their head and offering an early take on the heist genre. Instead of a typical gunslinging cowboy, Fonda plays a humble traveler passing through town with his wife (Woodward) and son. It’s one of Fonda’s lesser-known but powerful roles, alongside his performances in 12 Angry Men and The Grapes of Wrath.
While the film is carried by its great performers, Big Hand also stands out in the Western genre thanks to two elements: poker and men’s fashion. In this post, we’ll look at both poker and men’s fashion, and how they still carry over to modern times:
The Role of Poker in the Plot
Poker drives the story forward. Meredith, a recovering gambler, gets pulled into an intense poker game and bets everything he has. When he suffers a heart attack mid-game, his wife Mary takes over his hand.
This shift adds suspense, using poker to build the same kind of tension usually found in gunfights. The game they play is Texas Hold’em, fitting for the Laredo setting. This version of poker is still hugely popular today. In fact, the U.S. online poker market is expected to grow to $183.3 billion by 2034, as more states legalize online gambling.
While commercial casinos aren’t allowed in Texas, players can still enjoy poker in membership-based clubs like The Lodge Card Club in Austin or Champions Club in Houston. Online poker in Texas options also exist. Sites like Americas Cardroom offer safe, flexible poker experiences, even supporting cryptocurrency.
Although poker has evolved since the film’s release, its core appeal remains: high risk, high reward. Whether played online or live, poker still delivers the drama shown in A Big Hand for the Little Lady.
A Closer Look at Men’s Fashion in the Film
Poker isn’t the only thing that makes the film special—men’s fashion also plays a key role.
In contrast to the wealthy men around the poker table—dressed in sharp black suits and ties—Fonda’s character wears a brown suit and a matching earthy tie. His son dresses in similar tones. This clear contrast in style highlights Meredith as an outsider and underdog. It also shows he doesn’t come from wealth, which raises the emotional stakes of the game.
Fashion in the film becomes a storytelling tool, helping define class, status, and identity without a single word.
Western Style Today
Cowboy fashion has made a major comeback in recent years, showing up on red carpets, runways, and streetwear. At the 97th Oscars, stars like Adrien Brody rocked classic monochrome looks, while Colman Domingo chose bold, custom colors.
Meanwhile, Louis Vuitton’s cowboy-inspired collection—in collaboration with Pharrell—adds a fresh twist. Think checkered denim, bold orange cardigans, and bright red leather. It’s Western style, modernized for today’s fashion-forward crowd.
Final Thoughts
A Big Hand for the Little Lady may not be the first film that comes to mind when thinking about Henry Fonda. But with its clever plot, strong performances, and deep themes around poker and fashion, it remains one of the most iconic poker-driven Westerns in cinema history.
Whether you’re a film buff, poker fan, or fashion lover, this classic has something worth your time.
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