Shane / The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Double Feature)

This is a review for the double DVD set released by Paramount featuring THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE(1962) and SHANE (1953).

THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE is in wide screen b&w, directed by John Ford and stars John Wayne, James Stewart, Vera Miles and Lee Marvin along with a magnificent cast of character actors, some of them regulars in many of John Fords's previous directoral efforts.

Critic/director Peter Bogdanovich has described THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE as the last classic film of Hollywood's Golden Era and although I am not sure when the golden era ended I wouldn't be able to muster much of an argument with him or anyone else who voiced appreciation for this incredible, dramatic, humorous and ultimately emotion filled movie. Often this has been called a great western but I think it is so much more
than a genre picture.

THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE is about how what we call civilization came to this country, different areas in different eras, and just as importantly, how history is recorded and passed on down the generations.

Ford shows us what the actual truth is and then explains to us that "When legend becomes fact, print the legend." Just as he did in FORT APACHE Ford is telling us, among other things, that sometimes the unvarnished truth has to step aside for myths that will pass as facts in order to help encourage the advancement of civilization.

Aside from all of the above, THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE is a cracking good story about a freshly minted lawyer who comes to the western town of Shinbone in a territory
that is yearning for statehood. But the wealthy cattle ranchers are against US law coming to "both sides of the picket wire" and employ a gunman named Liberty Valance,
played by Lee Marvin, to intimidate the new "sodbusters" and small businessmen
who are trying to build lives for themselves and their families.

One thing leads to another and the young lawyer, Rance Stoddard played by Jimmy Stewart, with help from Tom Doniphin, played by John Wayne, eventually realizes that if he wants
law & order in Shinbone and the surrounding area, he's going to have to use a gun to
get it.

That quick summary in no way relates how entertaining and exciting this classic film is. And ultimately how heart wrenching it becomes. A movie that you'll never forget, when they refer to film classics, this is one of the prototypes.

SHANE (1953) was directed by George Stevens and stars Alan Ladd, Van Heflin, Jean Arthur (in her last screen appearance), Brandon De Wilde, Jack Palance and Ben Johnson, again, with a fine cast of character actors. Shane is in really authentic looking Technicolor
and and was a full screen release.

SHANE is played by Alan Ladd who drifts into a once open range which is now being homesteaded by "sodbusters," small farmers who are trying to make a go of it despite the harrassemt and occasional violence visited upon them by the big rancher in the area, the Ryker brothers, who want to keep the range open for thier cattle to graze.

Eventually,the Rykers hire a notorious gunman, played by Jack Palance, to help clear out the stubborn farmers once and for all. The idea is first to threaten and then, if neccesary, to start killing the small farmers. But the farmers rally behind Joe Starret.
played by Van Heflin, and his hired man, Shane, to fight for the right to farm the open range.

I think the thing I appreciate most about SHANE is the way both sides' positions are explained in a fairly even-handed way, although the Rykers are willing to do most anything to get what they want. SHANE was a trend setting film in its time and is still quite a good film to watch every now and then. It has humor, excitement and and a little romance and is just a well done film, the kind everyone says can't be made anymore

Overall I give this double feature package of THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE and SHANE
an enthusiastic five star rating, two fine films in one box for a relatively reasonable price. Both films have the original trailers included as extras and SHANE has a very informative commentary track as well. Both films have English subtitles and Shane
has a French soundtrack included. I give this double feature set as high a recommendation
as possible.

Two classic westerns for a great price. Both have excelent pictures and audio.You John Wayne fans will enjoy this classic and everyone should see Shane at least once in their life.

Two of my favorite westerns of all time. Entertaining throughout, and star acting. Lee marvin, one of the greatest actors in my opinion of all time was brilliant in, "The man Who Shot Liberty Valance". He plays a villian like none other. Alan Ladd's character in, "Shane", was so mild mannered and helpful to those in need. He was also brave, tough, and would not back down from a fight if you tried to bully him or those he was helping. The story lines were great. These movies are classics and will never be replaced by today's modern westerns. The great western movies and western movie actor's are gone forever.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 10 reviews  4.6 out of 5 stars