Review of Stagecoach (1939) by Josh F — 22 Mar 2014
This is a really great classic old western that kicked off John Wayne career. Wayne stars as the villain/hero the ringo kid, who falls in love with the villain/love interest Dallas. Maybe I missed it but I never quite figured out why Dallas was a pariah, my best guess is adultery.
When you boil this movie down its just a road trip movie with a group of great characters, with some gunfighting for fun. Speaking of fun this movie builds to a climactic chase with a group of indians trying to stop the stagecoach.
The indians didin't factor in John Wayne being on board and that was there big mistake. Some of the best old time chasing and stunts you will ever see, I can imagine this blowing viewers minds at the time as its still good today.
It wraps it all up with a classic gun slinger 3v1 stand off at the end. After showing you and taking the time with the long chase John Ford goes the complete opposite for the final showdown and it works completely.
There is a preconception I have with most old westerns that is mostly accurate, that they are slow and plotting with not a lot of violent conflict. That amazing chase scene breaks that mold, I could use a lot more westerns like this one.
I could go though every character in the story and explain why I like about them but its faster to just say they are all great.
This review of Stagecoach (1939) was written by Josh F on 22 Mar 2014.
Stagecoach has generally received very positive reviews.
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