Stagecoach (1966)

A Classic Western
Stagecoach DVD

It's been made more than once, but I don't think it's been made better. This is a classic in every sense of the word. John Wayne in one of his earliest movies plays the Ringo Kid or just Ringo to my friends.

A confederate gambler, an alcoholic ex-Union doctor, a woman of ill-repute with a heart of gold, a crooked banker, a whiskey drummer with samples and a fat and happy driver sitting next to the town marshal riding shotgun going through Indian territory with Geronimo on the war Path all make up a classic movie.

The only negative is that you have to watch this in black and white until a "colorized version comes along (but that would be cheating)

Highly recommended for fans of the Classic western, John Wayne, and just good old movies.

Gunner February, 2008

Stagecoach
If you're looking at ordering Stagecoach, you probably don't need me to tell you that it's a great movie. Yes, it's in black and white. Yes, it's a little grainy. Yes, its on a square screen. That will keep the brats who don't like looking at a movie in black and white from seeing it. This is a movie for the more informed, the more enlightened.

The movie itself is excellent and complete. It deserves its four stars. The commentary which accompanies the movie as a special feature is very, very well done. I watched the movie three times and listened to the commentary twice before I could put it into my collection. This is the first great, adult western. You will be pleased with your purchase.

Impressive Entry to the Genre
An interesting bunch of people are about to share a common bond; they will be travelling together in a small stagecoach across an Indian-infested land. Doc Boone (Thomas Mitchell) and Dallas (Claire Trevor) are being kicked out of town because of their shady activities. Mrs. Mallory (Louise Platt), accompanied by gambler Hatfield (John Carradine), is travelling to meet her soldier husband. Samuel Peacock (Donald Meek) is going home after a long journey selling alcohol. Henry Gatewood (Berton Churchill) is an embezzler trying to flee town with the bank's payroll. Curly Wilcox (George Bancroft) is escorting outlaw Ringo Kid (John Wayne) to jail. Driver Buck (Andy Devine) leads the way as this diverse group aims for a common goal: to get to Lordsburg alive.

I am not normally a western fan. The barren landscapes and the rough characters are not my cup of tea. However, this film features a cast of characters that are very similar to any ordinary dramatic classic. There are outcasts like Dallas and Ringo, character actor parts like that of Doc Boone and Mr. Peacock, and straight parts like Mrs. Mallory or Curly. It is the characters that make this film truly great. However, they are aided by wonderful scenery in Monument Valley, Utah; expert editing; and an interesting take on a standard genre.

This is the film that made Wayne a star, and it is no wonder why. For a man characterized by his minimalist acting strategy, his talents run a wide gamut here. He is appropriately clueless in some scenes, strong in others, and romantic in still others. It is an impressive performance by any standards, and even moreso based on the work Wayne did previous to Stagecoach. Other notables include Mitchell who won an Oscar for his role. He is excellent comic relief, but also a sympathetic character.

Stagecoach has it all: action, romance, and craft!