Opened: April 22, 1962

Directed by: John Ford

Starring: John Wayne, James Stewart, Vera Miles, Lee Marvin, Edmond O’Brien, Andy Devine, Ken Murray, John Carradine, Jeanette Nolan, John Qualen, Willis Bouchey, Carleton Young, Woody Strode, Denver Pyle, Strother Martin, Lee Van Cleef, Robert F. Simon, O. Z. Whitehead, Paul Birch & Joseph Hoover

Showing a small Western town as its state is on the brink of becoming a territory, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a fantastic cowboy film with well-matched leads.

Senator Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart) and his wife Hallie (Vera Miles) return to their former home to attend the funeral of their friend Tom Doniphon (John Wayne). While meeting with the local newspaper, Ransom reflects on his past with Tom and their town’s roughrider Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin).

Despite both actors playing characters who are around 30 years younger than themselves, Wayne is the always-perfect cowboy while Stewart smartly portrays a naïve lawyer who tries to bring some sense to the town. They work well together in roles that see them as friends even though there are glaring differences.

Final say: With a death, there comes a great life. ★★★★★