Stagecoach

1939's STAGECOACH is another essential piece of cinema from director John Ford.  It has been described as a western that "saved the Western", after years of lackluster oaters.  It is also hailed as "transcendent" for the genre, going beyond the mere themes of loyalty and revenge while holding fast to them.  The film is inarguably hugely influential, and many years of homages and rip-offs - intentional or otherwise - may dull the innovation and impact for some viewers.   Not for me.

The titular vehicle is bound for Lordsburg, New Mexico.  A group of disparates board and are warned that attacks by the Apache are likely along the way.  The U.S. cavalry will only escort the stagecoach to a certain point.  Lucy Mallory (Louise Platt) is not budging; she's to rendevous with her husband, a cavalry officer.  Doc Boone (Thomas Mitchell) has just been forced to remove his shingle and leave town for being a perpetual drunkard.  Dallas (Claire Tevor) has also been asked to leave due to her scandalous profession.  Mr. Peacock (Donald Meek) is a liquor salesman. Mr. Gatewood (Berton Churchill) is a self righteous, yet larcenous banker.  A young John Carradine plays Hatfield, a gambler, who takes a shine to Mrs. Mallory.  Driving the stagecoach are Marshall Wilcox (George Bancroft) and Buck (Andy Devine), the worry wart with the squeaky (almost Slim Pickens-like) voice..

On the road, they meet up with fugitive the Ringo Kid, who's on a hunt for the man who killed his father and brother.  The killer is in Lordsburg.  The Ringo Kid is played by John Wayne, in his first big role and first of many collaborations with Ford.

STAGECOACH exists as a sociological study and screenwriter Dudley Nichols, adapting Ernest Haycox's short story "The Stage to Lordsburg", provides plenty of revealing dialogue for its principles.  There are many themes worked out here as well, mainly of class structure, of a dying frontier, politics, and the hope of a new generation.   I have to see the film again to glean more subtleties, of which I'm sure there are many.

What ain't subtle is that lengthy, justifiably celebrated attack scene, as the Apaches surround the stagecoach.  How Ford captured this is astounding.  The choreography of the horses, weaponry, and stage is ingenious and truly exciting.  Some have pointed out the similarities to the chases in the MAD MAX films.  Sheer speed, but you can follow every detail.  How Hatfield finally tries to help Mrs. Mallory during that scene is one of several astounding moments in this picture.  Ford always downplayed directing as an art form, but damned if he doesn't refute himself with several great scenes, including the lead up to the confrontation in Lordsburg.

The relationships among the characters are also beautifully fleshed out, and bravo to the entire cast.  And to you, Mr. Ford.

P.S. - Today's viewers will appreciate Gatewood's (perhaps timeless) lines:

"What this country needs is a businessman for President!"

"Healthy banks, healthy country!"