“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,” directed by the legendary John Ford and released in 1962, is a powerful and somewhat atypical Western starring John Wayne and James Stewart. Here are some key things to know about it:
Synopsis: The film tells the story of Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart), a lawyer from the East who comes to the rough frontier town of Shinbone to bring law and order. He’s terrorized by the notorious outlaw Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin). A local rancher, Tom Doniphon (John Wayne), steps in to help Stoddard. The narrative unfolds primarily through a flashback as an older Senator Stoddard recounts these events to a newspaper editor upon returning to Shinbone for Doniphon’s funeral. The central mystery revolves around who actually shot and killed Liberty Valance.
Key Aspects:
* Stars: It’s notable for pairing two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, John Wayne and James Stewart, for the first time. Their contrasting styles – Wayne as the rugged Westerner and Stewart as the more intellectual Easterner – are central to the film’s themes.
* Black and White: Unlike many of Ford’s previous Westerns that gloried in Technicolor landscapes, this film was shot in black and white, largely on Paramount’s soundstages. This choice contributes to a more claustrophobic and perhaps more somber atmosphere, fitting the film’s themes.
* Themes: The film delves into complex themes such as the clash between the untamed West and the burgeoning civilization, the nature of heroism and truth versus legend, and the role of violence in establishing order. The famous line, “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend,” encapsulates a central idea about how myths can be more powerful than reality.
* John Ford’s Later Western: While a classic, it’s considered one of Ford’s later and more reflective Westerns, offering a more nuanced and less romanticized view of the West compared to some of his earlier work.
* Lee Marvin’s Villain: Lee Marvin delivers a chilling and memorable performance as the sadistic Liberty Valance, considered one of cinema’s great villains.
* Subversion of Western Tropes: The film subtly subverts some traditional Western tropes. The “hero” who gets the credit isn’t necessarily the one who performed the heroic act, and the progress of civilization comes at a cost to the rugged individualism of the Old West.
“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” is a compelling and thought-provoking Western that continues to be analyzed and appreciated for its layered storytelling and exploration of American myths and the changing West.
