The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance Reviews

A train rumbles through the desert, drawing into a small western town -- Shinbone. Only two people emerge, Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart) and his wife Hallie (Vera Miles), to be met by Link Appleyard (Andy Devine). There seems to be a link between these three which surpasses the smart clothes of the Stoddard's, the scruffy outfit of Appleyard and the fact that Ransom is State Senator! The local newsmen soon find out about his unexpected visit, principally for the funeral of Tom Doniphon (John Wayne). Who? No one else seems to know of Doniphon's paupers funeral so Ransom decides to relate the whole story to the local press. Dissolve to the old Wild West...

Ransom, a recently qualified lawyer from the East, suffered a brutal introduction to his new home. His stage was ambushed by outlaws, resulting in a savage beating as he defended a female passenger. Luckily he was found by Doniphon, a hard-bitten and sharp-shooting character, and brought into the town of Shinbone. Here Ransom finds out a few facts - Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) was the man who beat him, a gun is the only law in the area and that the town is crying out for a man like him. The result is that Ransom vows to put Valance in jail, using the law not a gun, by using his education and principles. This raises some laughs, for the crazy Easterner, but we can see that the townspeople respect Ransom for his knowledge, ideals and the fact that he represents the progress which they want for their children.

Soon Ransom is teaching people to read and write (especially Hallie), showing them how to use their vote and proving that you don't need to wear a gun to be a man. However a showdown with Valance is inevitable and we can see the arena already. Shortly there is to be an election for two representatives to the state senate, although the real issue is whether the area should become a true state. On one side are the cattlemen (with a hired Valance) who want to keep the land free and on the other are the townspeople who want the protection gained from being in a state. As the vote takes place (no women and no blacks!) there is a tense standoff between Ransom and Valance as the latter tries to force his own election. Although he fails in this Valance challenges the lawyer to a gunfight, knowing that Ransom is no match for him. We know that Ransom survives, since he's telling this tale, but the path from this election to the Senate is nail-biting to the end.

The beauty of this film is just how well it works on several levels with such resonance - such as the sparring between Stoddard and Doniphon, the battle of the town-folk with the cattlemen and the triumph of good over evil (represented superbly by Liberty Valance). Each character is well-acted and fits perfectly into the life of the town - from the nervous marshal Appleyard to the reliable servant Pompey (Woody Strode). From scene to scene the tension mounts yet there are many moments of humour in an amazingly strong script. Perhaps, though, the greatest triumph of this movie is that it places James Stewart, against stereotype, in a Western and succeeds.

"When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."

John Ford was one of the many luminaries of the western genre. With one of his final western films, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is truly one of the most elegant westerns in cinematic history. The two principal actors featured here are enough to guarantee unfathomable success.

Set in the Wild West, James Stewart plays a United States senator named Ransom Stoddard who travels to the town of Shinbone to pay respects to one of his old friends. Newspaper reporters begin speculating about the senator's business in such an insignificant western town. Ransom concedes to the press and decides to share his story. Subsequently the film is a series of extravagant flashbacks that shed light on Ransom's close friendship with a cowboy named Tom Doniphon (Wayne). His friendship begins after Ransom is beaten badly and robbed by a group of outlaws lead by the renowned Liberty Valance (Marvin). Vowing revenge, Ransom utilises his skills as a lawyer in an attempt to clean up the west without using violence. He teaches those in need how to read and write. His use of literature and words makes him a respected member of the community. However he realises that the west is not controlled by law and order but by murder and violence. Cowboys and gunslingers take the law into their own hands as they decide who lives and who dies. Ransom's story then uncovers how his political career became so successful after he became known as "the man who shot Liberty Valance".

A quality western is only guaranteed if there is a stellar plot. In this case, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance has what could be the best plot for a western I have ever seen. The 50s and 60s were certainly the decades dominated by loads of successful westerns. It's impossible to forget westerns helmed by Sergio Leone, or westerns that starred such stars as Clint Eastwood, Gary Cooper or John Wayne. These three men were the essential embodiment of a western protagonist.

With this film, John Wayne plays a fairly original role. Wayne still has the baggy trousers, the trademark walk, the recognisable facial expressions and the fast gun-touting skills. Despite this pile of conventions his character is explored to be a man of more moral depth. His portrayal is engaging and engrossing. I found it easy to get into the movie due to his dynamic performance. Because John Wayne was so famous during the period of the film's release this is an offer too tempting to resist. On top of this we have a straight-forward, intriguing plot and one of the world's all-time greatest actors: James Stewart. When this film was made it was clear that Stewart was aging. This doesn't stop him from delivering one of his most memorable roles to date. He still has his charm and charisma now mixed with bravery and honour. It's very easy to empathise with his character.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance of course has the usual conventional bad guys: they are dirty, have bad teeth and look very unsavoury. Although a contemporary audience would usually find this far too stereotypical you must remember that this was made during the period of the westerns. It was tradition to have these characters included.

The film is topped off admirably with smart direction and an exciting score. John Ford will always deliver when it comes to the western genre. Each director made their own mark on the genre. Each director has a different way of staging the action, placing the camera and building up intensity. Ford is a natural when it comes to this style of movie.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance was pasted and criticised upon original release. Decades later and the film is now considered as a classic and one of cinema's greatest westerns. It depends on your taste in film whether you will enjoy this one or not. Especially if you like westerns, this is a film you cannot afford to miss.