There's no question that a western directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne would have to be outstanding. This was the first time John Wayne and James Stewart starred in a movie together.
The other main stars contributed toward its success. Andy Devine was there as the scared marshal, Vera Miles, who played Stewart's wife, was temperamental yet sweet, Edmond O'Brian as the town drunk, and Lee Marvin was meaner than mean could be.
In the story, a lawyer from the East, Ranson Stoddard (Stewart) returns to where he had lived about forty years before with his now-wife Hallie (Miles). Though he comes to the town to attend the funeral of his friend Tom Donathan (Wayne) the local newspaper editor wants a scoop on Stoddard and his friend. Definitely, one fact that is in the lawyer's favor in many ways and for many reasons is having the name as the man who shot Liberty Valance. Yes, that strongly led to his success.
Again, there is both humor and dramatic action blended well together. Again, you have to laugh at the marshal Link Appleyard (Devine). And, you can't prevent yourself from laughing at Edmond O'Brien who always remains inebriated. At the same time you can't keep from hating Liberty Valance (Marvin) for killing and beating people with a sharp silver whip.
It is a classic in its own right, and well it should be, with the very familiar and, again, outstanding cast.
The other main stars contributed toward its success. Andy Devine was there as the scared marshal, Vera Miles, who played Stewart's wife, was temperamental yet sweet, Edmond O'Brian as the town drunk, and Lee Marvin was meaner than mean could be.
In the story, a lawyer from the East, Ranson Stoddard (Stewart) returns to where he had lived about forty years before with his now-wife Hallie (Miles). Though he comes to the town to attend the funeral of his friend Tom Donathan (Wayne) the local newspaper editor wants a scoop on Stoddard and his friend. Definitely, one fact that is in the lawyer's favor in many ways and for many reasons is having the name as the man who shot Liberty Valance. Yes, that strongly led to his success.
Again, there is both humor and dramatic action blended well together. Again, you have to laugh at the marshal Link Appleyard (Devine). And, you can't prevent yourself from laughing at Edmond O'Brien who always remains inebriated. At the same time you can't keep from hating Liberty Valance (Marvin) for killing and beating people with a sharp silver whip.
It is a classic in its own right, and well it should be, with the very familiar and, again, outstanding cast.