Stagecoach (1939)

Stagecoach (1939) "The movie that launched John Wayne's career"

Ringo Kid - John Wayne

Dallas (prostitute) - Claire Trevor

Buck (stagecoach driver) - Andy Devine

Hatfield (gambler) - John Carradine

Doc Boone (drunk doctor) - Thomas Mitchell

Mr. Peacock (meek Pastor) - Donald Meek

In the movie, Ford used Shoshone, Hopi, Navajo all Arizona tribes - not Apaches. Ford always used Indians as extras. Never using "spray paint."

Presented on TCM and introduced by Robert Osborne and Professor Hanay Geiogamah, professor of American Indian Studies at UCLA. It's interesting that during the discussion preceding the film, he doesn't refer to them as Native Americans but as Indians. Which is in my opinion, a refreshing change from so much political correctness. Full disclosure, I am 1/8th Cherokee and proud to be referred to as an Indian.

Typical John Ford movie has it all: comedy, drama, suspense, love, romance. He has the gift to be able to weave all elements through the story. Always important in creating a larger audience.

This movie is about a group of non-Indian outsiders. They are traveling from Arizona to New Mexico while evading yet being pursued by Indians. A point made by Professor Geiogamah is that both groups are or contain outsiders in American society.

However, not all of the passengers are societal outcasts. Included in the non-outcast group is the pregnant wife of a soldier. She is travelling to the fort where husband is stationed where she is hoping to rejoin him. Also included is a meek (pun intended as the actor portraying him is Donald Meek) Pastor traveling home to his family in Kansas City KS. The outcasts include the drunk doctor, the prostitute (both of whom were run out of town by the Law and Order League - the "respectable" women of town) "We are the victims of the disease of social prejudice my dear" says the drunk doctor to the prostitute as they are being escorted to the stagecoach that is leaving town' the bank manager who is running off with his client's money (he continually complains about the steps the government is taking to oversee banks including bank examiners—sound familiar?), the gambler, and the notorious jail escapé Ringo Kid. But the real outcasts of the film are the native Americans; specifically Geronimo!

When such a diverse group is brought together, there is excitement in the anticipation of how each is changed by the others. The first crisis occurs when they reach the fort only to find that the soldiers have gone on ahead. Even after this crisis, the social prejudice remains. "You can use my shoulder to lay your head on." says Dallas. "No thank you" replies the very travel weary Mrs. Mallory.

After a vote, they move on to the next stop only to discover that the soldiers have left to chase the Indians. They decide to press only but an additional crisis has arisen. Mrs. Mallory goes into labor. Here is where lives begin to be changed. "Savage!!!" "No, she's my wife." "Savage!!!" "Yes, she's a bit savage I think."

Unfortunately, the next day brings the attack of the Apaches so there is no rest for the new Mom and her babe. Even though it seems futile, they attempt to outrun the Apaches and reach the safety of the American military fast! At this point the intensity increases.

After the crises that they've experienced which has brought them together, reality is they are from different worlds. Mrs. Mallory: "Dallas, if there is ever anything I can do for..." Dallas: "I know." Dallas is fully aware of the chasm that separates their station in life.

Fun movie that reveals the social prejudice that existed and exists today. It also shows how short sighted many are...not taking into account the difficult circumstances that have lead to poor choices. More importantly, also portrayed is forgiveness that was not always abundant. A lesson to us that we need to understand what has brought people to the point where they live and to grant the forgiveness that is desired.