Review of Stagecoach (1939) by Calum R — 07 Feb 2018

A benchmark in the genre that spawned the Western talkies, bolstered by complex character development and stunning stunt sequences, providing a worthy milestone to usher both John Ford and John Wayne to the world.

The prostitute, the outlaw, the alcoholic doctor, the slow-witted driver, the gambler, the marshal, the whiskey drummer, the egotistical banker and the pregnant lady, these are the characters that make up 'Stagecoach', the film that kickstarted the Western talkies that made John Ford the auteur he is regarded as today.

The plot, while simple and at times humdrum, creates an intriguing situation that unfolds between the film's central characters, and it is from there that the refined character development ensues. Each character is briefly introduced and given a backstory, and their stories are further expanded upon while confined within the stagecoach. It is this alone that makes 'Stagecoach' the classic it is, so simple, yet so well-executed, and it proved a benchmark for the films to follow.

Minor statements and prop-related reveals also add to the sophisticated development the story has to offer, some of which I missed first time around, thus giving us new material with each further viewing. From the "just got a telegram" that Gatewood utters (unleashing a flurry of distrust among the group) to the foreshadowing of death in the form of the dead man's hand in a poker game.

However what really boasts this film as the technical marvel it is, is the films craft, sure the sound mix might be a little blown-out, but with stunning cinematography, beautiful vistas of Monument Valley (that Ford's films would later utilise time and time again), a score of epic proportions and stunt-work that outshines modern day action sequences (with the horse jumping during the chase scene leaving me in awe). Finally, we have the actors, who, despite some forced dialogue, all provide high calibre performances, Thomas Mitchell in particular who gives the film its comic element but also delivers some more heartfelt and caring drama at times of soberness, and of course, who can forget John Wayne's introductory zoom shot.

'Stagecoach' might not live up to its later counterparts, but for a nearly-80-year-old picture, it does its damndest to provide sheer entertainment through its straightforward narrative and dazzling action sequences.