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The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
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A senator, who became famous for killing a notorious outlaw, returns for the funeral of an old friend and tells the truth about his deed.
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That was an excellent one.
Absolutely Fantastic
The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
No doubt that this is one of the best movies ever made pitting good against evil and showing the struggles in making honorable decisions when making dishonorable ones would be much easier.
It's all been discussed, and I'm just too lazy to wade through 273 reviews. I'm just gonna say this. If any of you actually watched this movie, the only actor that was truly outstanding was Edmund O'Brien who played Mr. Dutton Peabody, the newspaper editor. Oh, sure, there were some other good actors, but O'Brien's performance in this movie is fantastic. I read the actors who were nominated for this Oscar; and okay, fine, they were great; Just NOT AS GREAT as Edmund. He's one of the ones who always turned in a fine performance, even when you hate him, you're recognizing the fact that it's his acting that makes it possible. R.I.P., and Thank you, Mr. O'Brien ...
Ronson Stoddard, a lawyer, head out west in search of a new life. He settles in a small town but soon comes into conflict with the local crime lord, Liberty Valance. Stoddard's only ally is rancher Tom Doniphon. With Stoddard's knowledge of the law and Doniphon's gun, they are determined to bring Valance down.Another great western from John Ford. Great plot, with a good twist at the end. More than a conventional western-action-drama, the movie covers issues like press freedom, vigilantism, law and order, and even has a romantic angle.John Wayne and James Stewart play their parts to perfection. Lee Marvin is evil personified as Liberty Valance.A timeless classic.
Director John Ford was a master of subtle symbolism. Example: as Ransom leaves the newspaper office to confront Liberty, he has a gun in one hand as he pulls down the "Attorney at Law" shingle with the other hand. Equally symbolic is Ransom, after learning Liberty Valance is coming to town, erases "Education is the basis for law and order" from the blackboard. The most powerful, and yet subtle, scene was Woody Strode's character Pompey stumbling over the words "all men are created equal." Pompey says to Ransom "I knew that, but I plumb forgot it;" Ransom responds "a lot of people forget that part."