Starring John Wayne, James Stewart, Lee Marvin and John Carradine
Directed by: John Ford
Release Date: May 28, 1962
When the west is fierce and unruly, what can truly tame the bandits and murderers: Law and Order or Vigilante justice? Flashing back to his younger days, Senator Ransom Stoddard (Jimmy Stewart) tells the tale of his beginnings in the small town of Shinbone and how he became known as "The Man who Shot Liberty Valance". This movie is fantastic, from the commentary on Western justice, the political climate during the 19th Century, and even on journalistic integrity to the performances from the cast, particularly in the two leads: John Wayne plays Tom Doniphon, a local cowboy who lives by how he can handle matters with brute force or his gun. Jimmy Stewart as Ransom Stoddard is simply brilliant, an educated man who puts his faith in upholding law and order so that justice can be served until the outlaw Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) pushes him so far.
The film is best viewed as a commentary on local legends and the power of the press, that the legend can be more powerful than the truth.
Rating: * * * * 1/2 of 5
Click here to buy The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Paramount Centennial Collection)
Directed by: John Ford
Release Date: May 28, 1962
When the west is fierce and unruly, what can truly tame the bandits and murderers: Law and Order or Vigilante justice? Flashing back to his younger days, Senator Ransom Stoddard (Jimmy Stewart) tells the tale of his beginnings in the small town of Shinbone and how he became known as "The Man who Shot Liberty Valance". This movie is fantastic, from the commentary on Western justice, the political climate during the 19th Century, and even on journalistic integrity to the performances from the cast, particularly in the two leads: John Wayne plays Tom Doniphon, a local cowboy who lives by how he can handle matters with brute force or his gun. Jimmy Stewart as Ransom Stoddard is simply brilliant, an educated man who puts his faith in upholding law and order so that justice can be served until the outlaw Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) pushes him so far.
The film is best viewed as a commentary on local legends and the power of the press, that the legend can be more powerful than the truth.
Rating: * * * * 1/2 of 5
Click here to buy The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Paramount Centennial Collection)
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