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Shane Customer Reviews (13 - 15 of 24 Reviews)

Jack Palance's Big Moment
SHANE is usually on anyone's list of favorite Westerns. It is a story about a range war between cattlemen and homesteaders in Wyoming. A loner named Shane (Alan Ladd) rides into the thick of the battle and settles down as a guest of one of the farmers (Van Heflin). Shane is trying to forget his past as a gunman. He is much admired by Van Heflin's son (Brandon de Wilde) and also in a seemingly innocent way by Van Heflin's wife (Jean Arthur).

The movie is filled with an abundance of memorable scenes. One is a gunfight between a hired killer (Jack Palance) and a stubborn homesteader named Frank 'Stonewall' Torrey (Elisha Cook, Jr.). It is hard to believe that Palance was not comfortable with horses as suggested by the Internet Movie Database.

The big competition for Academy awards in 1953 came from ROMAN HOLIDAY, STALAG 17 and FROM HERE TO ETERNITY. In spite of the tough field, SHANE still managed to win an Oscar for best Color Cinematography and nominations for Best Picture, Director, Supporting Actor (Brandon de Wilde , Jack Palance) and Screenplay.

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 It exemplifies principles and values that unfortunately have become outdated in today's society such as, character, integrity, loyalty, pride in accomplishment, persistence and the willingness to fight for what is right. It is also an excellent human interest story and succeeds in getting the viewer to love the homesteaders and hate the ranchers.

George Stevens directed this film late in a notable career and does a splendid job. The locations were breathtaking, shot with majestic mountains in the background of almost every scene. The cinematography was stunning, and the color rich despite the fact that it was filmed almost 50 years ago.

The acting was superlative. Van Heflin wins us over almost immediately with his high minded principles and unshakeable character. He actually has far more lines than Ladd, who was more of an icon of strength than a vocal character. Jack Palance is the archetypal western villain and went on in his career to become the most prominent and enduring villain in movie history. His sneering arrogance and haughty gait made him the villain we loved to hate for decades.

Elisha Cook, as Stonewall Torrey, had a prolific career as a supporting actor, with over 150 appearances in film an TV that spanned almost 60 years. This is one of his best an most memorable roles as a fearless, proud and petulant former confederate that gets goaded into a gunfight with Jack Palance.

Brandon DeWilde as young Joey, gave a compelling performance. One of the best scenes in the movie was when he asked Shane to shoot at a small rock and Shane shot it 5 or 6 times and hit it every time. The wide eyed look of surprise was terrific. Though he went on to do about a dozen mostly minor films, he was never able to capitalize on his success in this role.

Finally, there is Alan Ladd. I've often heard criticisms of his performance of being too low key. I could not disagree more. His understated performance made him loom large as an imposing figure in the film. It created an almost godlike presence. This strong silent portrayal is very attractive adding humility to his many positive qualities. This unassuming style is also what made Gary Cooper so popular.

This film is on my top fifty list of all time. It is a magnum opus that the film industry can be proud of. It combines great filmmaking, direction and acting with a memorable and morally instructive story. This should be required viewing for any serious film buff. A perfect 10.

Best Western Ever Made
SHANE is not only the best Western ever made, it may be the best American film. (Note to Ford fanatics: overrated. Forget what your film school profs told you. He was elevated prematurely to the pantheon by dweeb critics in the 60's. He's good--the earlier the better [Stagecoach YES; The Searchers NO] but SHANE is the movie Ford wished he could have made.)

What makes SHANE superior are the layers of text and subtext that weave throughout the film, in perfect harmony. It is one of the rare films that gets better every time you see it. It is not just about good v. evil, cattlemen v. ranchers; it is about marital fidelity, the meaning of manhood, community values, American spirit, and sacrifice.

Add to all that the superior performances of the actors, starting of course with Ladd, but going right on down the list. Palance is a SEARING presence, and Stevens films him just right (pay close attention to Palance's initial entrance into the saloon). AND you've got the musical score, the cinematography--it's just mind boggling.

If you're a parent of young child, especially a boy, this is one film you need to have in your library, and watch several times over the years. It will teach more about what it truly means to be an American than just about anything. (If you subscribe to PC dogma, however, you might as well go ahead and buy Ben Affleck films instead).

As for me and my house, we will watch SHANE.

Two things to note about the DVD! First, they are able to remove a [goof] from the film and VHS tape: in the opening, as Shane rides in to the ranch, you can see an automobile in the distance, making its way across the shot. Now gone!

Second, whoever designed the cover should be shot like Elisha Cook, Jr. On the BACK is a publicity still of Alan Ladd from ANOTHER movie (probably The Carpetbaggers)! He's dressed in this candy... western outfit, something Shane would NEVER wear. It is so ridiculous. I took out the inner chapter notes and placed it over the back cover just so I don't have to see that awful picture.

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