"When truth becomes legend, print the legend." But there's one problem: If you assume that there's no truth in the first place, the whole pseudo-philosophical hogwash this geriatric Western is aiming at becomes crystal-clear.
Ford's most overrated film misses its points in most departments: Wayne's more convincing in his role than the over-aged Jimmy Stewart - which says a lot -, the narrative starts getting really interesting not until the third quarter mark, the studio settings are strangely superficial and the musings on the dying days of the old West, law versus vigilance and on myth-making seem rather obvious and simple-minded. When Ford was solely concerned with the myth-making itself, his movies were much better... well, some of them.
Still, of course, every fan of the director, the stars or Westerns in general should see the pic at least once.
5 out of 10 dusty stagecoaches
Ford's most overrated film misses its points in most departments: Wayne's more convincing in his role than the over-aged Jimmy Stewart - which says a lot -, the narrative starts getting really interesting not until the third quarter mark, the studio settings are strangely superficial and the musings on the dying days of the old West, law versus vigilance and on myth-making seem rather obvious and simple-minded. When Ford was solely concerned with the myth-making itself, his movies were much better... well, some of them.
Still, of course, every fan of the director, the stars or Westerns in general should see the pic at least once.
5 out of 10 dusty stagecoaches