Shane (1953)

Please click the link to read my review of Heaven’s Gate, another film that dealt with the Johnson County War. Oh, and I’m not doing a tribute to Jack Palance....believe it, or not. 

Synopsis: It’s basically Pale Rider, plus an annoying kid, and minus Clint Eastwood. 

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “Acclaimed director George Stevens’ legendary rendition of the quintessential Western myth earned six Academy Award nominations, and made Shane one of the classics of the American cinema.” 

What Did I Learn?: 1) A man has to be who he is. 2) A gun is a tool; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. 3) Sodbusters good, cattlemen bad. Got it! 

You Might Like This Movie If: You want to watch the film that catapulted Palance to creepy stardom.

 

Really?: 1) *SPOILER ALERT* You know, I’m pretty sure that if I were ever to get shot, I would immediately seek out medical attention. I don’t believe I would get on my horse and ride off into the mountains. 2) So, the bully, Chris Calloway does a complete face-turn? I could see him becoming disgusted with Ryker’s strong-arm tactics and leaving, but why does he feel the need to inform Shane, the guy who beat him senseless earlier in the picture? 

Rating: George Stevens’ classic Oscar-winning Western is a bit slow-moving at times, but it’s still a moody and memorable look at a retired gunfighter who tries, and fails to put his violent past behind him. Highly recommended.  9/10 stars. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046303/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1