Review of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) by Stan D — 30 Aug 2014

This is the best western ever made, and John Wayne's best performance; he should have won the best actor oscar. Jimmy Stewart is the "pilgrim" tenderfoot who comes to a lawless western town as a new lawyer, but runs into the villainous violent Lee Marvin, who can only be stopped by rancher John Wayne.

With Vera Miles, Edmond O'Brien, Woody Strode, Denver Pyle, Andy Devine, Lee Van Cleef, Strother Martin, and John Carradine, and directed by the master, John Ford. This is the best western I have ever seen.

The unique brilliance of this movie, which most critics seem to have missed, was in the true nobility of the John Wayne character, which rumor has it that Wayne did not understand. This movie was John Wayne's "Casablanca", in many ways.

Also noteworthy but apparently unappreciated was the great portrayal of the ultimate villain by the legendary Lee Marvin. The supporting performance of Edmond O'Brien was a treat, as was the cameo by John Carradine.

Even minor roles were filled with first-rate actors, as we see Lee Van Cleef and Strother Martin as the henchmen of Liberty Valance (Marvin).