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.