The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, 1962

The 1962 date is what's significant. John Ford is no longer imparting a deeply personal vision, but non-movie buffs seeking a fairly good family western will probably be satisfied. Otherwise, it's a somewhat domesticated but valid genre product. James Stewart plays a standard role for him: a decent law-abiding man challenged by brusque frontier reality & could've phoned in that performance, but gives it game sincerity; John Wayne nicely plays his semi-friendly foil who predictably tries to tell him he'll need to stand his ground with a gun, not a law book. Yes, this is the movie where he actually calls Stewart's character "Pilgrim." Over and over. Almost risible after a while. Not the iconic west of the great classics but a reflection of "Education is the Basis of Law and Order" as Stewart chalks on the board at one idealistic point. At least there is a black character who almost gets to recite that "all men are created equal." A good and proper western of the JFK era. And Ford effectively ends the movie with an ironic note about the way US history is a combination of myth and violence--and even lies. There is a certain satisfaction with the story as Ford ties up the tale, even if the characters are supposed to be 30+ years older-- character age is pure Hollywood fantasy throughout. The slightest touch of grey hair is about as close as they get. (They are a bit too old to play the younger characters, but it works anyway.) Yet a nice little western. As we consider the legacy of Reagan, think of this line: "This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." William Clothier (and uncredited lighting assistants) did an outstanding job with the B&W photography. The song with the movie title is nowhere to be heard here, not sung or even heard in melody. (I love the old pop tune, but it's probably better it is not in this cut ) NOTE: The Netfl;x description inexplicably contains a spoiler that diminishes the impact of the movie. Why!?!? 7.15.08

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