A Reel Retro Review: STAGECOACH (1939)

Reel Speak has been celebrating this month’s 40^th anniversary of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK by looking at the films that inspired the globe-trotting, two-fisted archeologist. Films such as SECRET OF THE INCAS from 1954 (HERE), and THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE from 1948 (HERE). John Ford’s Western STAGECOACH did not have a heavy influence on Indiana Jones and his adventures, but it did provide inspiration for one very important sequence that defined the character and his franchise. 

 

After escaping from prison, The Ringo Kid (John Wayne), falls in with a stagecoach making its way across dangerous Indian territory. The passengers include a drunken doctor (Thomas Mitchell), a prostitute (Claire Trevor), a Marshal (George Bancroft), a very pregnant woman (Louise Platt), a gambler (John Carradine), and a whiskey salesman (Donald Meek). 

 

Based on the short story The Stage to Lordsburg by Ernest Haycox and directed by John Ford, STAGECOACH is a character-driven, closed-quarters tale. The passengers, strangers at first are stuck in the tight and uncomfortable confines of the stagecoach for endless bumpy hours…with nothing to do but argue and express discomfort at each other. Most of the anger goes towards Dallas the prostitute, and the drunk Doctor (Doc) Boone who is quick to make friends with the whiskey salesman. Once Ringo joins the group, he acts as a middle-man to the hostilities; as he has no prejuduce to show against Dallas and Doc. 

 

Filmed on location in Monument Valley, director John Ford, who had a bright career ahead of him making Westerns with John Wayne, makes excellent use of the wide canvass. Even in black-and-white, the scenery looks gorgeous. The highlight of the film comes near the end in a thrilling chase when the stagecoach is chased across the plains by Indians. Guns blaze and characters jump from carriage to horse in a nearly 15 minute sequence that is impressive even by today’s standards. Eagle-eyed fans of cinema will spot this as the inspiration behind the truck-chase sequence from RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. 

 

Acting is superb. John Wayne, appearing in one of his earliest feature roles, doesn’t have as much gruff as we’re used to seeing him display, and instead shows a lot of heart and charm. Claire Trevor matches up well with him. Thomas Mitchell, as the drunken doctor, steals the show with comedy and a bit of dramatic acting. 

 

After the thrill of the stagecoach chase, the film has a few loose ends to wrap up which takes a long time to get through, and it feels very anti-climactic. It’s not a dealbreaker, as it serves credit to that chase scene; it’s actually too good. By the time dust settles and the film (literally) rides into the sunset, it does carry a two-fisted punch.  

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it 

 

Reel Facts: STAGECOACH would be nominated for seven Oscars; including Best Picture and Director. Thomas Mitchell would win for Best Supporting Actor. Famed filmmaker Orson Welles claimed to have watched STAGECOACH several times in his preparations to make CITIZEN KANE (1941).