Customer Rating: 
Summary: "Western Canterberry Tales "
Comment: Stagecoach, an exciting Western adventure story from film director John Ford released in 1939. This film debuted Ford's favorite setting, Utah/Arizona's majestic Monument Valley. A retelling of Chaucer's Canterbury tales, it's a story of nine people during a stagecoach journey who are placed in a position of danger, one in which their true characters are tested and revealed. Social themes such as, prejudice, shame, alcoholism, childbirth,greed and redemption are captured well by talented actors, Claire Trevor, John Wayne, John Carradine, Andy Devine, Louise Platt and Oscar winner, Thomas Mitchell (Best Supporting Actor). The B & W cinematography is award winning, set and costume design outstanding. A memorable classic movie that will stand the test of time.
Frank Austan, LRCP
Customer Rating:
Summary: The classic John Ford western that made John Wayne a star
Comment: John Ford's 1939 classic "Stagecoach" is a landmark film in the history of western movies in so many ways, the most memorable of which of course would be the emergence of John Wayne as a major star after a rather long career in the movies already. But more importantly is the idea that the good guys in the white hats versus the bad guys in the black hats was finally replaced by real human beings who have their strengths and weaknesses. "Stagecoach" is about six passengers, the driver, a sheriff and an outlaw who joins them on their journey fleeing from their pasts and heading into an uncertain future (with Indians shooting at them too). Wayne plays the Ringo Kid, who has been framed for a murder and is seeking the real killers; Claire Trevor plays Dallas, a prostitute fleeing her unhappy life; Thomas Mitchell is the courageous but alcoholic Dr. Josiah Boone; John Carradine is the gambler, Hatfield; Berton Churchill is Henry Gatewood, a banker who has embezzled a fortune; Donald Meek is Samuel Peacock, a mousy little salesman; Louise Platt is Lucy Mallory, a pregnant woman traveling to join her husband; Andy Devine is the stagecoach driver, Buck and George Bancroft is the tough but fair minded Sheriff Curly Wilcox.
"Stagecoach" was filmed in what would prove to be Ford's favorite locale, Monument Valley, Utah. During their journey the personality of each character is revealed as Lucy gives birth, the stagecoach is attacked by Indians, and the Ringo Kid gets revenge on his enemies. A nice balance between character study and action, "Stagecoach" sets standards for how westerns should look and how characters should be real people. Wayne does not really stand out in this strong ensemble cast, but we can clearly see all the elements of the persona that would make him a screen legend. Final word of advice: skip the sequel and stick to the original. Whether you are a fan of the Duke or of the genre, this is one western you have to watch at some point in your life.
