Ok lot's of people worship John Wayne, others can't stand him. I think this is a movie that can appeal to both. First of all it is very much a Jimmy Stewart movie as much as it is a John Wayne movie. Secondly, Wayne plays a role that is perfect for his on screen persona, but gives him some serious heart as well. It's kind of fascinating too, in light of today's politics. I can't go into detail without a spoiler alert, but how one becomes a successful politician may not have changed that much since the last century. It's a western, but it's not a "shoot 'em up" it's very thoughtful. Overall it's a must see movie because it is referred to often by movie buffs.
Synopsis:
Senator Stoddard (James Stewart) attends the
funeral of a man from his state named Tom Doniphon (John Wayne) in a small
Western town. He is immediately contacted by a local reporter seeking to find out, in part, what the connection is between Doniphon and Stoddard. Stoddard first found the fame that led him to politics as the man who shot Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin), a villainous thief and determined defender of the lawless west that those seeking state-ship are trying to suppress. It quickly becomes clear that Doniphon assisted by his employee "Pompey" played brilliantly by one of the most famous African-American actors of his generation (Woody Strode), was connected to the conflict between Stoddard and Valance in multiple ways. Director John Ford uses the story of this group of small town people to give us a fascinating look at life on the frontier as it was being "tamed". All of this unfolds as Stoddard is interviewed by the reporter, who's last line is a cinema classic.
Primary Cast:
John Wayne ...........................Tom Doniphon
James Stewart ........................Ransom Stoddard
Vera Miles ..............................Hallie Stoddard
Lee Marvin ............................Liberty Valance
Edmond O'Brien ....................Dutton Peabody
Woody Strode ........................Pompey
Andy Devine .........................Link Appleyard
Ken Murray ...........................Doc Willoughby
John Carradine ......................Maj. Cassius Starbuckle
Jeanette Nolan .......................Nora Ericson
John Qualen ..........................Peter Ericson
Willis Bouchey .....................Jason Tully - Conductor
Carleton Young .....................Maxwell Scott
Denver Pyle ..........................Amos Carruthers
Strother Martin ......................Floyd
Lee an Cleef ..........................Reese
Joseph Hoover .......................Charlie Hasbrouck - Reporter for 'The Star'
No comments:
Post a Comment