An Old Movie With Contemporary Impact

 

I am a HUGE videophile and recently re-watched one of my all-time favorites: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. I have watched it more times than I can count, but there is a scene that stuck with me this time, unlike the many times before.

There’s a Swedish couple that runs the town’s restaurant. And the time comes for an election. The husband goes off to vote, and the wife tears up in pride for her husband. She is not bothered that he can vote and she cannot.  She is proud that together, they are doing their part to contribute to the future of their town.  So when the Husband gets to the polls, he pulls a document with an embossed seal out and proudly proclaims himself to be an American citizen, and that he has come to vote. 

John Wayne’s sidekick is played by African American actor Woody Strode. He sits outside the polling place, making no effort to enter, presumably because he knows he will not be permitted, and waits for his employer to exit.

I’m not going to tell you how to interpret this scene; it touches on so many contemporary themes.  I am just going to say John Ford could sure make a movie.  If you haven’t watched this film recently — or at all — it is time you did.

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There are 9 comments.

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  1. EJHill Staff
    EJHill
    @EJHill

    Great cinematography. William Clothier shot many of Wayne’s films and it was in the waning days of black and white. Hollywood would completely abandon the art except for the novelty of it.

    This is the west. Print the legend.

    • #1
  2. Ray Gunner Coolidge
    Ray Gunner
    @RayGunner

    Agreed. One of the best moments in Ford’s best film, imo.

    • #2
  3. Randy Weivoda Moderator
    Randy Weivoda
    @RandyWeivoda

    I know the song, but have never seen the movie.  If you guys like it, I’ll have to keep an eye out for it.

    • #3
  4. LVPaladin Coolidge
    LVPaladin
    @KenLange

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):

    I know the song, but have never seen the movie. If you guys like it, I’ll have to keep an eye out for it.

    It is available for rent on Amazon Prime.  It is truly an American Classic!

    • #4
  5. Rightfromthestart Coolidge
    Rightfromthestart
    @Rightfromthestart

    Two old goats contending for the young Grace Kelly, a lot of mis casting age wise in those days. 

    • #5
  6. Ray Gunner Coolidge
    Ray Gunner
    @RayGunner

    Rightfromthestart (View Comment):

    Two old goats contending for the young Grace Kelly, a lot of mis casting age wise in those days.

    Vira Miles!

    GK was long gone to Monaco by then. 

    • #6
  7. LVPaladin Coolidge
    LVPaladin
    @KenLange

    Rightfromthestart (View Comment):

    Two old goats contending for the young Grace Kelly, a lot of mis casting age wise in those days.

    Vera Miles, but Yes she’s quit the babe!

    • #7
  8. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    LVPaladin (View Comment):

    Rightfromthestart (View Comment):

    Two old goats contending for the young Grace Kelly, a lot of mis casting age wise in those days.

    Vera Miles, but Yes she’s quit the babe!

    She and Grace Kelly were the same age, both 31 or 32 at filming, the men were early 50s which isn’t THAT far apart.

    • #8
  9. Rightfromthestart Coolidge
    Rightfromthestart
    @Rightfromthestart

    Ray Gunner (View Comment):

    Rightfromthestart (View Comment):

    Two old goats contending for the young Grace Kelly, a lot of mis casting age wise in those days.

    Vira Miles!

    GK was long gone to Monaco by then.

    Sorry , I should have checked , I was thinking of High Noon. Gary Cooper , Grace Kelly ,

    Same problem 28 year age gap. 

    • #9
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