Review of Stagecoach (1939) by Stian R — 21 Nov 2007
John Ford's classic Western is a must-see for 1,001 reasons -- of course the story itself (screenplay by Dudley Nichols and Ben Hecht), with its memorable characters, deceptively simple plot, and truly exciting climax, but also everything else, from the innovative uses of cameras, light, sets, music, etc.
, to the film's enduring influence on so much that came after it, from Citizen Kane to Raiders of the Lost Ark. When Akira Kurosawa and Orson Welles, among others, list the film as among their favorites, it is worth paying close attention.
The film, which revolutionized the Western genre, is perhaps best known for John Wayne's breakthrough role (after nearly 80 less memorable film appearances), but the entire cast gives strong performances, including of course the film's biggest star -- Monument Valley on the Utah-Arizona border.
This review of Stagecoach (1939) was written by Stian R on 21 Nov 2007.
Stagecoach has generally received very positive reviews.
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