Review of Shane (1953) by Kris O — 31 Jan 2007
Another classic "death of the West" film; they rarely make them like this anymore. Not a lot of flash, Shane plays out as a slowly paced dirge for the days of the Wild West, now giving way to "civilization.
" Shane is of the old breed: the problem solver whose best argument is to be quickest on the draw. Shane really must leave in the end because the dawning "modern" world holds no place for him.
Alan Ladd's understated and thoughtful performance makes this a truly great movie. Jean Arthur's final fllm : ( Perhaps she was not one who wanted to leave when she'd found the bottom of her career, or maybe she was struck by the idea that it might not be good to see her aging self chronicled on the big screen.
Maybe we'll never know why she walked away from the business. Hey, and why not go out when you're on top? Jack Palance: a villain for the ages. Man, was he ever a deep dark persona.
This review of Shane (1953) was written by Kris O on 31 Jan 2007.
Shane has generally received very positive reviews.
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