Watch The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
- Approved
- 1962
- 2 hr 3 min
-
8.1 (84,178)
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a classic Western film that was released in 1962. Directed by John Ford and starring James Stewart, John Wayne, and Vera Miles, this movie tells the story of a small town in the American West that is struggling to establish law and order. The film starts with the arrival of Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart), a lawyer from the East who comes to the town of Shinbone to start a new life. On his way to Shinbone, Stoddard is attacked by a notorious outlaw named Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin), who leaves him for dead.
After being saved by a local rancher named Tom Doniphon (John Wayne), Stoddard decides to stay in Shinbone and help the townspeople establish a school and a newspaper. However, Liberty Valance and his gang continue to terrorize the town, and Stoddard soon realizes that the only way to stop them is through force.
With the help of Doniphon, Stoddard becomes embroiled in a violent confrontation with Liberty Valance, but it is Doniphon who ultimately shoots and kills the outlaw. Stoddard is hailed as a hero, and he becomes a prominent figure in the town's politics.
As the film progresses, Stoddard's true role in Liberty Valance's death is called into question, and he is forced to confront the truth about what really happened that fateful day. The film explores themes of morality, justice, and the true nature of heroism, and it has become one of the most beloved Western films of all time.
James Stewart delivers a powerful performance as Ransom Stoddard, portraying the character's transformation from a naive idealist to a hardened realist with nuance and sensitivity. John Wayne, who is known for his iconic Western roles, plays against type as Tom Doniphon, a flawed hero who struggles with his own demons.
Vera Miles plays the film's leading lady, Hallie, a woman torn between her feelings for Stoddard and Doniphon. Miles brings depth and complexity to the role, showcasing her range as an actress.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is notable for its stunning cinematography, showcasing the beauty of the American West in sweeping shots that capture the vastness and grandeur of the landscape. The film's score, composed by Cyril J. Mockridge, adds to the film's emotional impact, with its haunting melodies and stirring themes.
Overall, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a masterpiece of the Western genre, balancing action-packed fight scenes with deep emotional resonance. Its themes are as relevant today as they were in 1962, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a 1962 western with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 94.