Stagecoach (John Wayne) -- Movie Review

• Stagecoach (1939) - Entertaining adventure through the old west with unique characters, 8/10.

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~~ Script ~~
One memorable ride. Released in February of 1939, this American western features legendary actor John Wayne in his breakthrough role; who helped the 96-minute film double its $530,000 budget. In 1880, nine strangers board a cramped stagecoach as it travels through hostile Indian territory - while learning something about each other along the way.

Having done over a decade of work in smaller roles and smaller productions - "Stagecoach" is, incredibly - Wayne's 80th film appearance. But his patience paid off; his portrayal of the young outlaw known as "The Ringo Kid", complete with a grandiose zooming-close-up introduction, finally solidified his status as a bona fide movie star. Explaining his decision to fight against impossible odds to defend his honor, he sternly declares, "Well, there are some things a man just can't run away from."

The motley group riding with him includes Claire Trevor as a beautiful, but shunned call-girl, veteran character actor Thomas Mitchell as a drunken doctor, Andy Devine as a frightened driver, and John Carradine as a suspicious southern gentleman. George Bancroft, Louise Platt, Donald Meek, and Berton Churchill come along for the adventure as well. With great performances from all involved, the large cast feels fully developed; each player has their own back-story and mannerisms. A few characters might feel thin and stereotypical - but at least they have defined personalities.

The earlier scenes of the film seem a bit rough around the edges, like an unmotivated cross-dissolve while the camera is still panning, or weird unblinking reaction shots that hang on screen for one too many beats. But once our group of misfit characters cram into the titular vehicle, and set off through picturesque Monument Valley - everything just works. In fact, "Stagecoach" is reportedly the first film to ever use that iconic desert location in southern Utah - which wouldn't be accessible by paved roadways for another 10 years. Often though, we see this location outside the windows of the small coach, as projection screen backgrounds. When paused, they look decently realistic, but during playback many vertical jitters unfortunately ruin the illusion.

Although he was only nominated here, John Ford would eventually win a record four 'Best Director' Oscars during his career. And there's a reason for that; this man knows how to stage a scene and get real performances from his talented cast. And there's no finer example of his abilities than in "Stagecoach" - where he expertly juggles a dozen separate characters and simultaneous plot threads effortlessly. His handling of the action sequences, particularly a dangerous battle during the film's climax, is quite thrilling.

With their horses at full-gallop, a group of dangerous Indians close in on our vulnerable protagonists - as shooting breaks out during the chase. With impressive stuntwork and precise editing, this is an incredible sequence that has not only withstood the test of time, but remains decidedly more thrilling and competent than a majority of modern Hollywood action scenes. For all intents and purposes, Ford basically invented the "western". Sure, the genre existed before his decades long career, but it's scenes like this one, combined with his accessible themes of redemption and love that made his fiction so successful.

A great place to start for anyone looking to get into the western genre, and certainly required viewing for all fans of 'The Duke', "Stagecoach" is an entertaining adventure through the old west with unique characters. I think it's a GREAT film.
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