The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a 1962 film directed by John Ford and starring James Stewart, John Wayne, and Lee Marvin a classic, iconic Western that delves into a complex introspective analysis of themes of justice, legend, and truth. 

Plot

The story is set in the Wild West and begins when Ransom "Rance" Stoddard (played by James Stewart), a renowned lawyer, returns to a small town in the Arizona Territory to attend the funeral of his friend Tom Doniphon (played by John Wayne). The town's residents are curious about why such an important man has returned to such a remote place.

Stoddard tells the true story of how, many years earlier, he arrived in that town and faced off against Liberty Valance (played by Lee Marvin), a notorious outlaw. Stoddard had tried to bring law and order to the town, while Doniphon, a man of action, had preferred to solve problems through force. The story explores the conflict between Stoddard's desire for justice and Doniphon's pragmatism.

The plot unfolds through flashbacks that reveal both men's roles in the town's history and in the creation of the myth of "Liberty Valance." The film addresses the fundamental question: when legend becomes more important than truth, print the legend.

"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" is known for its compelling storytelling and the outstanding performances of Stewart, Wayne, and Marvin. It explores the complex dynamics between heroism, justice, and legend in the context of the Wild West.

Complete Cast:

• John Wayne as Tom Doniphon
• James Stewart as Ransom Stoddard
• Vera Miles as Hallie Stoddard
• Lee Marvin as Liberty Valance
• Edmond O'Brien as Dutton Peabody
• Andy Devine as Marshal Link Appleyard
• Ken Murray as Doc Willoughby
• John Carradine as Major Cassius Starbuckle
• Jeanette Nolan as Nora Ericson

Director: John Ford

Producer: Willis Goldbeck

Writers: James Warner Bellah, Willis Goldbeck (based on the short story by Dorothy M. Johnson)

Music by: Cyril J. Mockridge

Cinematographer: William H. Clothier

Production Cost: Not publicly disclosed.

Box Office: Not publicly disclosed, but considered a commercial and critical success.

Awards: 1 Oscar nomination for Costume Design

Critics' Reception

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is considered one of John Ford's finest films and a classic of the western genre. It was universally acclaimed, by audiences and critics alike, for its screenplay, direction, costumes that earned it 1 Oscar, and performances by John Wayne and James Stewart. The film is an important reference in film history for its exploration of the themes of legend and reality, and belongs to the ranks of films that created the myth of the Old West.