Stagecoach (1939)

"Well, there are some things a man just can't run away from. " The Ringo Kid

☆☆☆☆☆ Masterpiece 

Stagecoach (1939) is the first modern western.


Directed by John Ford.


Starring John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Thomas Mitchell and Andy Devine among many others.


What struck me most about Stagecoach was how Ford had taken it upon himself to showcase John Wayne and make him into an international film star. Yet, John managed to showcase all the other actors in the film as well. The story unfolds gradually to let us get to know each and every character in the story. The entire movie seems like one cliche after another, because the story and scenes have been copied, borrowed and plundered countless times by numerous directors. Ford trims every frame in the film to its bare minimum, which makes for a tight, simple story. Orson Welles has said he viewed Stagecoach over 40 times while making Citizen Kane. Thomas Mitchell won an Oscar for his portrayal of a drunken doctor in the film.

In the scene below watch how Ford makes his good, old friend Wayne shine by having him in a dramatic entrance. John Wayne had already been in over 40 movies and was 32 years old, but Ford makes him look in his early 20's and just starting out in his first film. Ford only shot one take per scene and sometimes errors occured like in the scene below where Wayne is out of focus as the camera zooms in on him. The name of the town they are coming from is Tonto which means stupid or foolish in Spanish. Tonto also happens to be the name of the Lone Ranger's side kick.

Film Scene

Trivia - When Ford was asked why the Indians didn't just shoot the stagecoach horses John replied,  "Because that would have been the end of the movie."

Film Trailer

Film Photos - Posters

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Film Script

Note - If you would like to view Stagecoach to rent or buy please click on the link below the comments. It is sponsored by Google, so it is the safest and most secure way to get a copy for your film library.

Big Trouble In Little China

"Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it."Jack Burton

☆☆☆☆☆ Classic 


Big Trouble in Little China (1986) a big budget, campy, tongue in cheek homage to martial arts and slapstick comedies.


Directed By John Carpenter.


Starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall and Dennis Dun among many others.

I have to admit this film is one of my favorite guilty pleasures views. What I love about this film is that Kurt's characters is really the sidekick for Dennis' character. Dun's character allows Russell's character to think he is the hero of every situation. I've got to hand it to Kurt for pulling off one of the most difficult characterization scenarios by playing a John Wayne meets Indiana Jones macho-man character as a bubbling, ego maniac second fiddle, who upstages everyone in every scene to hilarious results.  I never knew where Russell would take a scene. Extra credit needs to go to John for not only casting Russell, but allowing him the comedic freedom to explore the outer limits of physical comedy. Another high point of the film is the visual effects and the amazing sets throughout the film.

According to Carpenter the scene below is part of a larger scene that was added to appease the studio heads who wanted to explain Jack's character to the audience. I love the boisterous voice and body language Kurt conveys while dressed in female silk pajamas. Reminds me of Cary Grant in female silk pajamas desperately trying to stay calm while a wild leopard is roaming freely in Bringing Up Baby.

Film Scene

Trivia -  Kurt Russell wears the same outfit he wore in Used Cars in the scene where he is attempting to infiltrate the brothel.

Film Trailer

Film Photos - Posters

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Film Transcript

Note - If you would like to view Big Trouble in Little China to rent or buy please click on the link below the comments. It is sponsored by Google, so it is the safest and most secure way to get a copy for your film library.