[9]

John Ford's masterpiece is still a thoroughly entertaining ride. A handful of disparate personalities, including John Wayne as the notorious Ringo Kid, take their chances traveling through Apache territory. Along the way, friends and enemies are made, a baby is born, a seemingly doomed romance blooms, and not everyone makes it to their destination alive.

Wayne’s star-making turn isn’t the only noteworthy one here. Thomas Mitchell is terrific as a drunken doctor, John Carradine shines in the role of a shady gambler, and Claire Trevor gives depth and range to one of the Western’s most ubiquitous stereotypes, the whore with a heart of gold.

Ford’s direction is years ahead of its time for an action film. The climactic chase scene features some incredible stunts, cinematography, and editing — it’s a thrilling set piece, in or out of its time. Stagecoach offers superlative examples of simple but engaging storytelling, strong characters, and cinematic craftsmanship. Come Oscar time, the film picked up trophies for music and supporting actor (Mtchell), and was nominated for best picture, director, cinematography, editing, and art direction.