A classic Western that entertains and alludes to timeless ideas that have deeply influenced Western civilization. The movie is about the accomplishment of ordered liberty and the humanities over anarchy and chaos. It captures education’s role in America’s experiment in self-government.
Ransom “Ranse” Stoddard (Jimmy Stewart), a lawyer, symbolizes civilization and full humanity. He is confronted by Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin), the brutish agent of chaos, who endeavors to kill him. Force is needed for civilization to rise; Tom Doniphon (John Wayne) is that force and plays a critical role, but eventually takes a back seat to civilization’s higher good.
Lastly, the cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, courage, and justice are on display in beautiful ways.
Highly recommend for middle and high school students.
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