sdavid-41660 In John Ford's worst Western, artificially filmed almost entirely on sound stages, John Wayne plays Tom Doniphon. Doniphon has a ranch outside of Shinbone, a town terrorized by Liberty Valance. As befitting a character played by John Wayne, Doniphon talks tough: "Liberty Valance's the toughest man south of the Picketwire ... next to me," he boasts. But on the two occasions when Doniphon has verbal confrontations with Liberty Valance, Doniphon is backed up by his "boy" Pompey, an imposing black man aiming his rifle right at Liberty. I hate to say this about John Wayne, but Tom Doniphon is a coward. For all his tough talk, he doesn't face Liberty Valance in a fair fight. Instead, he hides in the shadows and bushwhacks him. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance more accurately Ambushed him. Then he Executed him. The one thing he didn't do was Face him. Or Outdraw him. Or Outgun him. Or Outfight him. In fact, in one embarrassing scene, the mighty Tom Doniphon couldn't even muster enough breath to blow out a match. In another scene equally embarrassing, a pacifist lawyer who Doniphon provoked punches Doniphon in his mouth and knocks him on his ass. So much for being the toughest man south of the Picketwire. Then there's John Wayne's performance. He was always more of a movie star than an actor, but in this film he was reduced to a caricature: John Wayne sounding like he's impersonating Rich Little impersonating John Wayne. Add to that the casting of the annoying Andy Devine as comic relief where none was needed, and O. Z. Whitehead, age 51, incredibly playing an elementary school boy who sucks lollipops, and in one scene, is seen skipping, and James Stewart and John Wayne both 20 years older than the characters they were playing. Honestly, if this had been John Ford's only Western, no one today would remember his name.

darbski It's all been discussed, and I'm just too lazy to wade through 273 reviews. I'm just gonna say this. If any of you actually watched this movie, the only actor that was truly outstanding was Edmund O'Brien who played Mr. Dutton Peabody, the newspaper editor. Oh, sure, there were some other good actors, but O'Brien's performance in this movie is fantastic. I read the actors who were nominated for this Oscar; and okay, fine, they were great; Just NOT AS GREAT as Edmund. He's one of the ones who always turned in a fine performance, even when you hate him, you're recognizing the fact that it's his acting that makes it possible. R.I.P., and Thank you, Mr. O'Brien ...

elvircorhodzic THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE is a western drama about an inspiring event, the conflict between traditional and modern ways of thinking and a big lie, which will be reflected in a rough anticlimax.A senator and his wife arrive in Shinbone, a frontier town in an unnamed western state, to attend the funeral of their old friend. A local journalist asks, why a United States Senator would make the long journey from Washington to attend the funeral of a local rancher. A Senator begins the story of a young and idealistic lawyer, which has occurred 25 years ago. His stagecoach is robbed by Liberty Valance and his gang. When he takes Valance to task, he is brutally whipped and left for dead. In Shinbone, the townspeople help him with his injuries. There is a cowardly sheriff, beautiful waitress and charming rancher, who is the only man willing to stand up to the cruel Valance...Roughly speaking, this is a story about the conflict of a resolute mind and raw power. However, an interesting plot follows the political evolution in one small town.Can a problem be resolved with the talk (by law) or with guns?Although the story occasionally turns into melodrama, Mr. Ford did not underestimate the structure of a classic western. His ironic reference is complementary with intriguing appearances of the main protagonists. An urban legend is hiding the truth, which is a milestone in the lives of the protagonists. The atmosphere is very sad and somewhat poetic. Characterization is very good.James Stewart as Ransom "Ranse" Stoddard is a bit confused, but brave and determined at the same time. His character is the epitome of honesty and justice in this film. I think that his appearance is irritating, but Mr. Stewart was again very convincing. Vera Miles as Hallie Stoddard is a very beautiful when she gets angry. She is a girl who has more courage than a local sheriff.John Wayne as Tom Doniphon is a charming and resourceful hero of this story. However, he will not graciously ride into the sunset at the end of this film. His character is, though aware that he has changed the course of a local history, suffocated in their own self-esteem and irony. Lee Marvin as Liberty Valance is a malicious and energetic maniac, who is a very good as Tom's counterweight.Sadness and melancholy at the end of the film is something totally new to the genre.

clvlkenpo I saw this film in the movie theater when it was released as a boy. I was surprised it was black and white. I must say i didn't really get it at age 10! This movie is one of the greatest of all time. The story with all its subtle messages and twists, the screenplay, memorable quotes that have become part of our language, Pilgrim, and wonderful acting from so many really talented actors. Edmund O'brien is wonderful in so many scenes, as are many of the supporting actors. Wayne and Stewart are great together, as is Vera Miles. The exposure of the legends myths as well as the politics that seem so common today, are very insightful. I still get chills and emotional at the end of the film, very moving. The characters all ring so true, and on different levels. It is a fun, moving, action, drama with a heart. If you haven't seen it, please do. And the haunting score from Ford's Young Mr Lincoln was a perfect theme. Even if you are not normally a Wayne fan, you will be. Great date night film too!