The Death of the Old West: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Politics play an important role here, as well, as the town, along with the rest of the territory, is fighting whether to stay a territory or become a state. There is one major problem; the big cattle ranchers want the territory to remain an open range, and people like Liberty Valance are paid enforcers. Each area has to elect two delegates to send to the capital, and Stewart regulates the nomination procedure. A very interesting situation creeps up, as Stewart attempts to nominate Wayne, who refuses, while Valance gets himself nominated, by getting his two cronies to nominate him. At the end, however, it is Stewart and the newspaper publisher who are nominated, and Valance is so incensed that, eventually, there is a planned showdown between this bloodthirsty man and, Stewart, a man who Wayne describes as a "tenderfoot".
It is obvious by the film's title that Liberty Valance does get shot and killed, but that is all that I can directly say, as there is a lot more at stake than simply the shooting of a man in a traditional Western showdown. The ending is a demonstration of irony, and the consequences of what seems to be a simple act.
James Stewart is great, as usual. His mannerisms are in full bloom here, emphasising his moral character and convictions, as well as his impatience. A classic moment, in which Liberty Valance taunts Stewart, while Wayne swaggers to the rescue (all over a steak, dropped to the floor when Valance trips Stewart), is fascinating, because it is a clash of ideals. Wayne would have possibly killed Valance, while Stewart, in a show of defiance, angrily picks up the steak and puts it back on the table while the two tough guys basically have a staring contest. Stewart's action may not have been wise, but the point he tries to make is that nobody should fight his battles for him. While Wayne is bluster and force, Stewart is the guy who turns the other cheek, and defends decency and non-violence. Stewart's rage and fear is incredible to witness; I don't think I`ve seen him so provoked in any other film.
Wayne, astonishingly, is relegated to a supporting role. But what is even more astonishing is his performance. Sure, he says the things we expect John Wayne to say; he teases Stewart about being a "ladies' man", calls him on his courage and masculinity by calling him
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