Film 2600: Film History
Dr. Cathleen Londino
Fall 2011
I have watched many western movies due to the fact the my step dad loves them. He’s originally from Texas so he is into the whole cowboy scene as well as western movies. Therefore, I have grown accustomed to watching western flicks as well as watching John Wayne although I had never seen Stagecoach. John Wayne was a phenomenal actor. He brings a strong presence which plays a dramatic role in all his movies . He was that cool, laid back kind of guy who meant business. In watching Stagecoach I noticed that he was very young compared to the other flicks that I have seen. Even though this was Wayne’s breakthrough role and really wasn’t known at the time, I feel he did an incredible job which lead him onto other bigger roles throughout his lifetime. Stagecoach was your typical western with a romantic touch to it. It also portrays how society was out of sync. The upper class was far more superior than the lower. For instance, Mrs. Mallory wouldn’t associate with Dallas. Mrs. Mallory was also tended to more than Dallas in the same situations and this is where John Wayne plays the heroic type of role of joining the two classes together. This movie paints a vivid image of how society has evolved over time.
This film took Ford’s reputation to new heights. Stagecoach was nominated for seven academy awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Black and White Cinematography, Best Interior Decoration, and Best Film Editing, as well as two awards for Best Supporting Actor. It was this movie that lead him on to film other great pieces that were considered his most memorable westerns. These included, My Darling Clementine (1946), The Searchers (1956) and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). {http://www.filmsite.org/stagec.html}
Overall, this movie was pretty good. I like the fact that not only was it your typical gun fight western but that it also had that touch of romance where the hero gets the girl at the end. I could see why John Wayne was such a successful actor. Being one of his very first roles he shined immensely. He had natural born talent and he makes watching western flicks that much more enjoyable.
