The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

"Together for the first time"

Apr 22 1962 Approved 2h 3m
Drama, Western

Questions arise when Senator Stoddard attends the funeral of a local man named Tom Doniphon in a small Western town. Flashing back, we learn Doniphon saved Stoddard, then a lawyer, when he was roughed up by a crew of outlaws terrorizing the town, led by Liberty Valance. As the territory's safety hung in the balance, Doniphon and Stoddard, two of the only people standing up to him, proved to be very important, but different, foes to Valance.

Plot

When Senator Ransom Stoddard returns home to Shinbone for the funeral of Tom Doniphon, he recounts to a local newspaper editor the story behind it all. He had come to town many years before, a lawyer by profession. The stage was robbed on its way in by the local ruffian, Liberty Valance, and Stoddard has nothing to his name left save a few law books. He gets a job in the kitchen at the Ericson's restaurant and there meets his future wife, Hallie. The territory is vying for Statehood and Stoddard is selected as a representative over Valance, who continues terrorizing the town. When he destroys the local newspaper office and attacks the editor, Stoddard calls him out, though the conclusion is not quite as straightforward as legend would have it.

Written by

James Warner Bellah, Willis Goldbeck, Dorothy M. Johnson

Directed by

John Ford

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

John Ford Productions, Paramount

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 4 wins & 3 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
85,158
Average Rating
8.1 out of 10
Metascore
94
Popularity
NA