The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance November 29, 2007

Starring John Wayne and James Stewart. Directed by John Ford

In this late film from a long career, Ford looks at the civilizing of an Old West town, Shinbone, through the sad memories of settlers looking back. In the town's wide-open youth, two-fisted Westerner John Wayne and tenderfoot newcomer James Stewart clash over a woman (Vera Miles) but ultimately unite against the notorious outlaw Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin). Ford's nostalgia for the past is tempered by his stark approach, unusual for the visual poet of Stagecoach and The Searchers. The two heavyweights, Wayne and Stewart, are good together, with Wayne the embodiment of rugged individualism and Stewart the idealistic prophet of the civilization that will eventually tame the Wild West.

Screen Scene is designed to give our audiences films they can “talk about,” and then provide the place to do just that – after the credits roll the audience will enjoy a brief afterglow, featuring snacks and beverages and a discussion of the movie itself led by a local “expert.”

All tickets $4, includes afterglow. Not rated.

Official Website: http://www.grandoperahouse.org/events/special/scene/scene.html