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Summary: What a Movie!
Review: There's an awful lot to like in this great John Ford western - I'll mention just a few things. Vera Miles is simply remarkable. John Wayne's typical rugged individualist is portrayed here as a tragic figure, which humanizes him and should make even those who dislike what Wayne stood for care about his character. The film is absolutely true to the values and beliefs of the Old West, without sugarcoating, in its portrayal of gender roles, racial relations (Wayne refers to Woody Strode as his "boy", yet he is a sympathetic character), use of oratory in political debate, and the concerns of the common citizens. Yet Ford manages to confer dignity and respect even upon figures of fun such as Andy Devine's cowardly US marshall. Why can't there be more films like this one?
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Summary: John Ford at the pinnacle of his powers
Review: This film is an as yet undiscovered American icon. Quite simply, it may very well move you as no western ever has before. John Ford as a director is at the pinnacle of his powers, John Wayne is at his mighty, confident best, and Jimmy Stewart gives one of the best performances of his life. Lee Marvin exudes palpable danger as the violent, unpredictable and rage-filled Liberty, and Vera Miles is the good girl who can take care of herself. A cast of supporting characters who all seem to become like part of the family during the film, coupled with one of the best Western tales ever, will keep you riveted.Even if you aren't normally a fan of Westerns, this inspiring and brilliant film deserves a place in every patriotic American's household. This film asks questions about what it means to be a citizen in a Democracy, and it answers those questions in ways that left me deeply moved, and deep in thought. If you only have one Western in your DVD collection, this film is a good candidate.
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Summary: Nostalgic John Ford Western
Review: This is a very good John Ford Western, which is untypical of Ford in many ways. It has a claustrophobic feel about it and it seems unusual that it was shot in black & white (by William Clothier) in 1962. John Wayne flamboyantly underplays his role. James Stewart as the idealistic Eastern lawyer who is robbed on the way West, goes to work in the town of Shinbone as a dishwasher and eventually brings law and order to the West unknowingly through the efforts of Wayne. Lee Marvin as the villainous Liberty Valance is one of Ford's most violent screen incarnations. Edmond O'Brien and Ford veterans Andy Devine, John Carradine and the incomparable Woody Strode are all featured. Set designers Sam Comer and Darrell Silvera did an excellent job on the Shinbone sets, especially O'Brien's newspaper office. It is interesting how the scene with John Wayne's coffin is so simple yet so memorable.
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Summary: John Ford's spirited, psychological Western.......
Review: Undoubtedly, one of the finest westerns ever made...this exquisite example of film making is proof positive that not every western is a simplistic plot about "cowboys and indians". John Ford's stylish film is a brilliant psychological story about very different personalities and their violent meeting in the town of Shinbone. James Stewart plays the young, idealistic lawyer Ransom Stoddard...heading west in the hope of bringing law and justice to an untamed land. Enter Lee Marvin as the cold blooded and ruthless outlaw, Liberty Valance, ruling Shinbone and the surrounding territories by his own laws. And finally, John Wayne as the strong, iron-willed and well meaning Tom Doniphon....the only man with the courage to stand up to Liberty Valance. Ford's movie is additionally supported by several dynamic character actors...Andy Devine as the cowardly sheriff Link Appleyard, Edmond O'Brien is simply brilliant as habitually drunk news paper editor Dutton Peabody, Woody Strode as Doniphon's loyal ranch-hand Pompy, plus the villainous duo of Lee van Cleef & Strother Martin. What makes this movie so outstanding is that it appeals on so many levels....as an adventure, as a love story, as a tragedy, and ultimately as a tale well told. It moves with such eloquence and style, and the viewer is carried through each layer of this complex story with precision and feeling. This is easily one of my most watched and most enjoyed films, and a moving reminder of a talented film maker and some very fine actors excelling in their craft. I'm eagerly awaiting the DVD release of this one !!
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Summary: "Hey Liberty, that was MY steak!"
Review: I completely agree with reviewers below who suggest multiple viewings of this film to see the many layers of storytelling and character. Like any great film this one has you asking new questions each time and each character is so perfectly drawn you wish you could visit that town in happier times. My suggestion is that you try to see one of the first "memory westerns" by John Ford called "Young Mr. Lincoln" which tells a simple story from Abe Lincoln's days as a lawyer. It shares a similarity in that both deal with a young lawyer's attempts to settle a rowdy town but stylistically they are identical. Of all of John Ford's westerns I found these two to be the most humane. Truly the kind they don't make anymore.
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Summary: The Greatest Western Film of all time!
Review: Without a question, the greatest example of its genre. When I first saw it in the movies as a young boy, I knew that I was in the presence of true greatness, a feeling which has not diminished over time. If anything, my feelings about the film have only grown stronger and stronger.
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Summary: A Great Movie, Pilgrim!
Review: When the Duke tells Stewart to "think back, Pilgrim" (or something to that effect) you know you're gonna be treated to one of the great moments in Cowboy film history...I always laugh to myself when this part comes, 'cause it turns out that even the Duke wasn't so noble...and we know that politician Jim Stewart here in the film, had the truth been actually known, wasn't that much of a hero, either....isn't that the way it is in real life? Subtexted also is a love story, and the old West (settle disputes with bullets) vs the new West (settle disputes with the law)"conflict"... One of my all-time favorites!
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Summary: Wayne & Stewart
Review: This movie stars John Wayne, and James Stewart. How can it 'not' be good? And with Lee Marvin as the evil villain, this makes a wonderful movie to watch.
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Summary: The Finest Western Ever Made.
Review: After watching this film AGAIN, and thinking of John Wayne, John Ford, James Stewart, Lee Marvin, et al, and all the things one could say, I am reduced to the following statment: This is the finest western that was ever made. It has everything a western should have, and everything a great timeless Classic movie has. How I wish it was in DVD.... Note: Magnificent 7, High Noon notwithstanding, this has everything.
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Summary: A movie to be cherished on many levels
Review: Only in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" does one enjoy two of America's most enduring and beloved stars- John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart! Despite their advancing years, who else could have possibly played these roles with such conviction? Add to that perhaps America's greatest director, John Ford, and the result is a masterpiece- one which was regretably neglected for years. Only with several viewings does one begin to comprehend the many layers of "Liberty Valance". This is one of John Wayne's most tragic roles. As the movie progresses you barely notice how much he sacrifices himself in order to protect and support Stewart's Eastern lawyer role. Ultimately, he destroys his very way of life- that which represents the Old West! Ironically, he and Liberty Valance are more akin to each other, even though Valance represents the evil of that Old West. Ford tells this story in fascinating ways! Have you noticed how wonderfully fake and cramped the sets are? Is this what the flashback mind of Stewart sees? We are not seeing what the camera traditionally shows us, but what the mind wants us to believe. Notice that the only real location shooting during Stewart's flashback is Wayne's ranch. Is this because we see it in ruins at the start of the movie when the film is in "present" time? Thus, by seeing it ourselves, we don't have to rely on Stewart's imagination! Even the title makes one think- who is it describing? Again, choose a level! What a great movie! But, I'll stop now before I bore everybody. Thank You
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