Shane

A masterpiece of filmmaking
Often mentioned as one of the greatest westerns ever, it is easy to see why. This film stands as a masterpiece of the art, even more so since it was filmed so long ago. It starts with a great story, the story of Shane (Alan Ladd), a quiet gunslinger who is trying to escape his past and befriends a pioneer family that has settled out west. He attempts to settle down and become a hired hand to Joe Starrett (Van Heflin) and his wife Marian (Jean Arthur), but the ranchers who need to drive cattle through the homesteaders' property are attempting to drive them out. Shane tries to stay out of the disputes, but keeps being drawn in and is finally compelled to put his six shooter back on when the ranchers hire Jack Wilson (Jack Palance) a noted gunfighter to intimidate the farmers.

This story is outstanding in so many ways. It is a classic battle of good and evil. It has its share of fist fights and shoot outs, but this film is more about principles than action. It exemplifies...

A Western Painting
Alan Ladd starred in one of the most spare and beautiful westerns ever captured on film in George Stevens' portrait of a lonely gunfighter and the bond he forms with a family of homesteaders under seige out west. Jack Schaefer's very good western novella was lofted to greatness by Ladd's quiet performance as the gunfighter Shane, who gets a glimpse of the life he would have preferred rather than the hand he was dealt.

A story and film which sounds simple, and is often described as such, is really anything but, its complexity hidden by its scope and the subtle manner in which it is told. Shane is the mythic figure, riding in on the horizon and staying to help a family fend off a rancher trying to drive the farmers off their land. It is a story of changing times and complex relationships.

Shane forms a bond with farmer Van Heflin and becomes his friend because of his decency and acceptance of Shane, even though Shane's gun and his readiness to draw at the slightest...

Superlative film
Many people believe "The Searchers" is the greatest western ever made, but for my money, "Shane" beats it, hands down. The cinematography here is breathtaking, with the Tetons looming majestically in the distance. Alan Ladd never looked or sounded better, and he plays the title role with an understated elegance that belies the inherent roughness of Shane's character.

Van Heflin gives his best performance as the long-suffering Joe Starrett and Jean Arthur has her best role since her Frank Capra films of the 1930's. She conveys just the right amount of sexual interest in Shane, combined with restraint and a genuine regard for her husband.

There is an abundance of memorable, brilliant scenes: "Tory is dead!" as they deliver "Stonewall's" body back to the settlement. All of Alan Ladd's scenes with little Joey are poignant and beautifully drawn. Of course, the final scene, with Joey shouting, "Shane (echo....) Mama wants you...

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