Four-Star Films : ‘Giant’

George Stevens’ intense epic of the modern American West depicts a frontier corrupted by black gold, easy money and racial intolerance. Based on Edna Ferber’s bestseller, this ultra-romantic film is alternately stately and lyrical. It’s become legendary because of one supporting performance: James Dean (pictured) as cowhand-turned-oil tycoon Jett Rink. Elizabeth Taylor (also pictured), Rock Hudson, Mercedes McCambridge, Carroll Baker, Chill Wills, Jane Withers, Dennis Hopper and Sal Mineo round out the starring and key supporting roles (KCOP Wednesday at 2 a.m.).

Other four-star films airing this week:

Dances With Wolves / TMC, Sunday 1:05 p.m.; Tuesday 12:40 a.m.; Friday 3 a.m.; Saturday 3:15 p.m.

The Ox-Bow Incident / AMC, Monday 5 and 10 p.m.

Babette’s Feast / Bravo Wednesday 1 p.m.; Thursday 8:30 a.m.

The Grapes of Wrath / AMC, Wednesday 5 and 8:25 p.m.

The Big Sleep / TMC, Thursday 5:30 a.m.

Hail the Conquering Hero / Disney, Friday 1 a.m.