It is hard to say which is the better Western: "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," "The Searchers," or "Shane." Others, of course, are in the mix, including "Red River," "Stagecoach," "My Darling Clementine," and "The Ox-Bow Incident," to name most of the films in a very exclusive fraternity. They are all superb, and every one should be in the Top 100 of all films ever made, and several are.
"Shane" succeeds on every level. The scenery (filmed in the Grand Tetons) is breathtaking. The acting is superb, especially the inspired performances of Brandon de Wilde as the boy and "Walter" (Jack) Palance as the gunfighter. And Alan Ladd's performance is understated, dignified, and believable. Van Heflin is wonderfully stolid as the determined homesteader. The supporting cast is excellent, and the script reflects a fascinating blend of human emotions.
The dispute between "cattleman" and "farmer/sod buster" is honestly depicted, with the cattleman--nominally the "bad" guy--given every opportunity to state his case, which he does very well.
It isn't obvious that Alan Ladd's and Jean Arthur's characters are in love, although clearly there is chemistry between the two. It doesn't matter: The thought that she would break her wedding vows or that he would betray his friend is anathema to both of them.
The final showdown is a classical moment in film history. Even the dog in the saloon seems to dread the moment. What a scene!
This film isn't so much about good versus evil as it is about a clash of cultures. It is little wonder that it was nominated for Best Picture. One doesn't have to be a Western fan to know that this was a very special, and even inspirational, film. Show it to the youngsters.
"Shane" succeeds on every level. The scenery (filmed in the Grand Tetons) is breathtaking. The acting is superb, especially the inspired performances of Brandon de Wilde as the boy and "Walter" (Jack) Palance as the gunfighter. And Alan Ladd's performance is understated, dignified, and believable. Van Heflin is wonderfully stolid as the determined homesteader. The supporting cast is excellent, and the script reflects a fascinating blend of human emotions.
The dispute between "cattleman" and "farmer/sod buster" is honestly depicted, with the cattleman--nominally the "bad" guy--given every opportunity to state his case, which he does very well.
It isn't obvious that Alan Ladd's and Jean Arthur's characters are in love, although clearly there is chemistry between the two. It doesn't matter: The thought that she would break her wedding vows or that he would betray his friend is anathema to both of them.
The final showdown is a classical moment in film history. Even the dog in the saloon seems to dread the moment. What a scene!
This film isn't so much about good versus evil as it is about a clash of cultures. It is little wonder that it was nominated for Best Picture. One doesn't have to be a Western fan to know that this was a very special, and even inspirational, film. Show it to the youngsters.