Stagecoach

Rating:
Summary: A TRULY CLASSIC WESTERN
Review: STAGECOACH IS CONSIDERED THE MOVIE THAT GAVE JOHN WAYNE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE. THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS CREATES A TENSE THRILLING ACCOUNT OF A GROUP OF VERY DIFFERENT PEOPLE WHO ARE FORCED TO SHARE A DANGEROUS JOURNEY. THIS MOVE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Rating:
Summary: The first real western, "Stagecoach" made the Duke a star
Review: John Ford's 1939 classic "Stagecoach" is a landmark film in the history of western movies in so many ways, the most memorable of which is the emergence of John Wayne as a major star. But more importantly the good guys in the white hats versus the bad guys in the black hats is finally replaced by real human beings who have their strengths and weaknesses. "Stagecoach" is about six passengers, the driver, a sheriff and an outlaw who joins them on their journey. Wayne plays the Ringo Kid, who has been framed for a murder and is seeking the real killers; Claire Trevor plays Dallas, a prostitute fleeing her unhappy life; Thomas Mitchell is the courageous but alcoholic Dr. Josiah Boone; John Carradine is the gambler, Hatfield; Berton Churchill is Henry Gatewood, a banker who has embezzled a fortune; Donald Meek is Samuel Peacock, a mousy little salesman; Louise Platt is Lucy Mallory, a pregnant woman traveling to join her husband; Andy Devine is the stagecoach driver, Buck and George Bancroft is the tough but fair minded Sheriff Curly Wilcox.

"Stagecoach" was filmed in what would prove to be Ford's favorite locale, Monument Valley, Utah. During their journey the personality of each character is revealed as Lucy gives birth, the stagecoach is attacked by Indians, and the Ringo Kid gets revenge on his enemies. A nice balance between character study and action, "Stagecoach" sets standards for how westerns should look and how characters should be real people. Wayne does not really stand out in this strong ensemble cast, but we can clearly see all the elements of the persona that would make him a screen legend. Final word of advice: skip the sequel and stick to the original. Whether you are a fan of the Duke or of the genre, this is one western you have to watch at some point in your life.

Rating:
Summary: Action Westen of Great Depth: A Contrast of Personalities
Review: A great adventure western that in many ways is comparable to the classic movie "Lifeboat". Like Lifeboat, a collection of people from different social levels are trapped together under great stress. Amongst the urban travelers is Ringo (Wayne) as the prison breaking cowboy out to avenge the death of his brother. Old Doc Boone played by one of the greatest character actors of the period Thomas Mitchell, an alcoholic orator banned from the town. The beautiful Dallas, a good woman who is either a saloon girl or more obvious, a lady of the evening, forced into those labors purely due to economic hardship. The suspicious mysterious gambler Hatfield who was a confederate officr in the war but has a strange consuming chivalrous attitude for the high brow Captain's wife. The pregnant wife trying to reach her husband serving in the cavalry, the self confident elitist banker, the frightened but religous whiskey salesman (Doc Boone adopts),the tough Sheriff and the famous sidekick of all time, Andy Devine playing the not so bright but honest stagecoach driver. The movie is fascinating as the personalities divide up amongst their social classes with Wayne's great line after several patrons move away from Dallas, Wayne thinks he is the reason as he utters "I guess you can't break out of prison and into society in the same week". Great tension as the stagecoach moves further into Indian territory as they become more isolated as they constantly just miss the protective army. The end culminates into the great western climax of a tremendous Indian attack with the odds terribly against them as the stagecoach tries to flee. The big question, will the cavalry get there in time. But the movie is not over as the Ringo Kid (Wayne) still has a score to settle. Watch the main villan in the final scenes as he apparently appears more suited for silent films, he rarely speaks but does a lot more with physical acting and facial features. Aside from a wonderful thrilling action western, the film has great dialogue:

Doc Boone, "Ringo didn't I fix your broken arm?"
Ringo, "No that was my brother, you did a great job considering you was drunk"
Doc Boone beaming, "Professional compliments are always pleasing"

The movie itself is a great character study. Those that have the appearance of strength perhaps due to position or wealth are tested under stress and those that appear weak or labeled bad have great fortitude, which shows that one cannot judge someone by what they have or who they appear to be.



Rating:
Summary: Classic western from the Duke and John Ford
Review: Stagecoach is another classic western from director John Ford that never gets old. The movie tells the story of a group of assorted strangers on a stagecoach making their way across the desert to the town of Lordsburg. Apache chief Geronimo is on the warpath making the trip that much more dangerous. Will the stagecoach make it to Lordsburg before the Apaches cut off the road? Along the way, the viewer gets to know the passengers, some more likable than others. There is a reason this western is considered a classic. Ford blends a great story, excellent characters, a fantastic score from Richard Hageman, impressive action scenes(especially when the Apaches chase the stagecoach across the desert) and beautiful cinematography of Monument Valley. For a truly classic western, this is a safe bet.

Claire Trevor gets top billing as Dallas, a saloon girl kicked out of town by the women's law and order society. In the role that sent his career skyrocketing, John Wayne stars as the Ringo Kid, a framed outlaw tagging along on the stagecoach who is seeking revenge for his family's murders. The image of Wayne yelling for the coach to hold up truly marked the beginning of an impressive career. In an Academy Award winning performance, Thomas Mitchell plays Doc Boone, a drunk down-on-his-luck doctor. Andy Devine and George Bancroft play Buck, the stage driver, and Curly, the sheriff riding shotgun. The other passengers include John Carradine as Hatfield, the gambler, Louise Platt as Lucy Mallory, an Eastern woman travelling to find her husband, Donald Meek as Peacock, a whiskey salesman, and Berton Churchill as Gatewood, the banker who robbed his own bank. The excellent supporting cast also includes Tim Holt, Francis Ford, and Tom Tyler. The DVD offers the standard presentation of the film, cast and crew info, production notes, and six theatrical trailers from Wayne/Ford movies including Stagecoach. For a classic, can't-miss western that launched the Duke's career, check out Stagecoach!

Rating:
Summary: Great Casting for a Timeless Western
Review: John Ford and John Wayne have made a lot of great movies together. There actually were some forgettable ones before this one but "Stagecoach" was where the quality began. This was one of those movies that had everything going for it. The screenplay was terrific and enabled a most diverse range of characters to interact in a way that created a high level of human drama. That was brought to screen under the excellent direction of Ford. The actors were all well chosen and delivered outstanding performances. Among the best were those of John Wayne, Donald Meek, Claire Trevor, John Carradine, Andy Devine, and Thomas Mitchell (who got the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in one of the toughest years ever).

The plot involves an unusual collection of individuals taking the stage to Lordsburg. It includes a pregnant army officer's wife, an alcoholic doctor, a Southern gentleman gambler, a prostitute whose was being kicked out of town, a sober whiskey salesman, and a later traveler; the Ringo Kid (Wayne). The Kid joins them after they've left town and is under the watchful eye of the the sherrif who's riding shotgun. The immediate problem is getting past the Indians who are on the war path. Along the way, each of the travelers is challenged to go beyond the person that they have become. The crisis, in other words, brings out the best in all of them. The journey is more climactic that then end but it has a uniquely Western finish.

Some movies really make a difference in an actor's career. Just consider Jack Nicholson in "Easy Rider". Ford had already established himself (he'd previously received and Oscar for Best Director for "The Informer") and his selection of "B" movie actor Wayne made a big difference in the history of Hollywood. However, "Stagecoach" is more than just a bit of cinematic history. It is a movie that can still be enjoyed by all ages.

Rating:
Summary: John Wayne..John Ford...Magnificent Scenery...SaddleUp!
Review: This review refers to "Stagecoach", Warner Bros DVD Edition(released 1997)..

"Stagecoach", one of The Duke's finest westerns, is a definitive look at the American Western we have come to love. Made in 1939, Wayne in his early years as a rising star, gives as a glimpse of his extraordinary on screen presence yet to come. The film includes other wonderful stars of the era, masterful direction by John Ford, magnifcent cinematography,and a captivating storyline.It is a real cinematic treat.

Wayne is a wanted man who is along for the ride with a group of passengers, each not only battling their own demons and prejudices, but the elements of the rugged terrain and Indian attacks as well. And what a group...it also stars Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, John Carradine, Thomas Mitchell, and Donald Meek.The journey that Ford takes us on is magnificent in the stunning black and white cinematography that captures all the rugged terrain of the old west.

The DVD transfer of this 65 year old film is not as pristeen as some other B/W classic of the era, but certainly looks good. a few scratches here and there, a little flickering, but once you are involved with this film, you won't even notice. The Dolby Dig sound is very good, all the sounds of the old west clear and distinct. The DVD includes some production notes, seven trailers, and has subtitles in English, French and Spanish.

If You are a die-hard Wayne or Ford fan, or great Westerns in general, you may want to purchase the "John Wayne Collection" which includes this one along with another Ford favorite, "The Searchers" and one of Wayne's later Westerns, the touching story of "The Cowboys".

Saddle up for some great Western adventure with John Wayne, and a wonderful journey from John Ford.

Happy Trails......Laurie



Rating:
Summary: Only Western that I Actually Liked
Review: We had to watch this movie in one of my college courses and I absolutely loved it. a young John Wayne does a stellar job in his role as an outlaw with a good heart and the rest of the cast is exceptional as well. Even if you don't like Westerns you will love Stagecoach.