Stagecoach (EOTWS)

End Of The Week Shorts #15 extract: Stagecoach (1939)

John Ford's seminal western is a stark classic that, of course, features John Wayne in his break-through role and wouldn't only go on to influence westerns for decades to come, but some of the greatest filmmakers of all time - Orson Welles in preparation for Citizen Kane being just one example. 

Technically perfect, Stagecoach's editing, pacing, structure and characterisation represent the gold standard of traditional Hollywood movies. Layered onto this, however, Stagecoach is an exploration of honour and integrity stemming from unlikely places. It is this meeting of character and tension that then imbues the action and high-drama sequences with such energy and life, making this movie entirely riveting and a worthwhile watch. 

Whilst so much more could be said about the tremendous chase sequence and the stunt work within, I'll refrain and urge anyone who hasn't seen this classic picture to give it a go.