Review of Shane (1953) by Monsieur R — 02 Oct 2010

To my mind, the very finest, true to life western in probably exaggerated form, ever made, though one must remember so many others as well can compete since it was made. Cinematography was fantastic. VHS movie jacket says 1952 copywrite despite RT making it 1953.

Let's just say Shane is all about the pure unsettled west, the pioneering west. The early sound effects especially created for gunshots powerfully recreate the power of gunplay. You can't miss them if you turn the sound up even a bit.

Pressure of insiders vs. outsiders is what this film is all about. Those that have been and those that are coming to the wild, unsettled west.

Ladd, the withdrawn gunslinger who can handle anything in this loser town of Grafton, does so reluctantly. But the ending is all about anything but reluctant. The wife of Joe (Van Heflin's fine performance is a delight) is Jean Arthur. She acts like she and Shane have a past, but we can't figure that one out with the plot as given.

Pressed to the limit, Shane is continuously goaded by the town bully into either fighting or running. The townsfolk lose confidence after his first "trial" at the Grafton Saloon where gunless Shane orders a "sodapop".

Clearing the land is a one goal Shane helps at, even though his little body doesn't make that seem possible as Joe and Shane tackle a huge tree stump.

Shane is a drifter and retired gunfighter, who comes to Grafton seeing the end to his former way of life. Towns, laws, rules, homesteaders. A hired gun (Jack Palance is classic here and priceless as the hired gun) of an aging settler tries to set things right to his vision, but Shane is up to fighting everyone.

Although a small person, Alan Ladd is made to look every bit up to fighting all comers. The fight scenes are tremendous and the sound effects are so real. Sound is what this film is all about, and in 1952 no less.

Mysterious, moody and atmospheric, the film is enhanced by the intense performances of a great cast.