The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)

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James Stewart and John Wayne star in this intimate John Ford western about a lawyer and a gunslinger who hold differing ideas about how best to deal with the town’s most notorious criminal, Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin). Stewart plays the lawyer who inspires the community to participate in democracy, while Wayne plays the gunslinger who insists violence is the only way to counter lawlessness of Valance’s caliber. Meanwhile, a local waitress (Vera Miles) has affection for both men, threatening to drive a wedge between them.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is one of Ford’s more character-driven, dramatic westerns. While there is a climactic shootout, the film trades action for character development and some broad philosophical discourse. In a way, the film asks what kind of a man is best suited for America’s future — a brute or a thinker? And can the two opposites work together? Stewart and Wayne carry the film, striking a fine balance in their characters’ relationship that vacillates between disdain and respect. The film gains emotional heft from a poignant ending involving secrets and sacrifice. Fans of traditional westerns might want for a plot with more outward conflict, and anyone who doesn’t like classic westerns might find cross-over appeal in this one.

William H. Clothier’s black & white cinematography is often striking, especially when characters linger in the shadows of the town’s streets at night. And like most John Ford films, the entire supporting cast is worthy of mention, with Lee Marvin giving a terrifically nasty, villainous turn as the title character. His colorful henchman are played by none other than genre stalwarts Lee Van Cleef (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly) and Strother Martin (Cool Hand Luke). Edmond O’Brien is memorable as the town’s newspaper man with a drinking problem, and Andy Devine (Stagecoach) adds some comic relief as the town marshal who hides whenever Valance comes around. John Carradine, John Qualen, and Woody Strode also appear.

Oscar Nomination: Best Costume Design (Edith Head)