The Next Reel Film Podcast Stagecoach • The Next Reel
"We’re the victims of a foul disease called social prejudice, my child."
When John Ford decided to helm “Stagecoach” in 1939, he hadn’t done a western since his days in the silent film era. Yet it was this film, along with his relationship with John Wayne, that would lead to him making arguably some of the greatest westerns in cinema. Yet with this film, it was really more of a chance to make a western that could be a bit more serious, not just another b-level shoot-em-up, while still making a movie that was pretty light and entertaining. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on films from 1939 with Ford’s “Stagecoach.” We talk about John Ford as a director and what he was trying to do with this film, pointing out some Ford-isms along with debating his strength as a filmmaker. We chat about Dudley Nichols’ script adapted from Ernest Haycox’s short story, enjoying what he did with the nine principal characters in the film, even if there were some pacing issues throughout. We discuss the cinematography of Bert Glennon and the way he and Ford shot the action sequences. We chat about stuntman and stunt coordinator Yakima Canutt, marveling at the amazing stunts he performs in the film while also feeling pretty horrified at the methods he devised to get the horses to fall on camera. And we touch on the cast, touching on what each of them bring to their roles. It’s a fun film, even if not one of our favorites, but still gives us a great movie to talk about. So check it out then tune in!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu
- Script Transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- The Stage to Lordsburg by Ernest Haycox
- Flickchart
- Stagecoach Location Shooting Breakdown
- Stagecoach & the Ned Scott Still Photographs
Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: Popstar — "I don’t know if I’ll ever watch this one, but this red band trailer makes me laugh more than it probably should. Andy Samberg as a Justin Bieber-esque pop star on the decline? It could actually be funny. Or it could be utter garbage. Still, they got Martin Sheen to be in it so I’ve gotta give it points for that."
- Pete's Trailer: Captain America: Civil War — "I know, I know. We’ve talked about this one already. But seriously, have you checked out how smart the marketing is on this thing? The art, the trailers, the placement are just pitch perfect. Whoever loses in the film, the Russos absolutely crush."
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