In itself, the movie is a good one. However it almost completely detracts from the original book, which is probably the greatest Western ever written. Sorry to say, but the movie is basically a dumbed down version for the masses, which rips the book apart and re-arranges and deletes many parts. Still a good movie to watch, but definitely not for people who fell in love with the book.

Copyright 27 March 1953 by Paramount. New York opening at the Radio City Music Hall: 23 April 1953. U.K. release: 24 October 1953. Australian release: 25 September 1953. 10,718 feet. 118 minutes. NOTES: Winner of The Picturegoer Seal of Merit. Second to From Here To Eternity in The Film Daily annual poll of American film critics and second to Julius Caesar as the Best American Film of 1953 in the National Board of Review awards. For his performance in the title role of this movie, Alan Ladd won the Photoplay Gold Medal Award for Best Actor of 1953. (Available on an excellent Paramount DVD). COMMENT: What can one say about this perfect western that has not already been said in countless reference books and reviews? The point I was going to make was the effective contrast Stevens presents between God's scenery and man's brutality. And yet this is not a simple God's guys versus the bad guys epic. The good guys are somewhat flawed too and the bad guys through their spokesman, Emile Meyer, offer a quite convincing argument in favor of their violent reaction. Ultimately, of course, they overstep the bounds. But after all that climactic action, perhaps it is the hero (played by stoic Alan Ladd in a perfect bit of casting) that misses out. What does he get for coming to the rescue? What's his reward? Stevens very effectively conveys by purely visual means exactly what the hero expects and what he ultimately receives.

After its heavy prominence in 2017's Logan, I thought Shane would be a film worth checking out. While the film is over sixty years old, I was pleasantly surprised at just how much the picture still holds up today. While Shane works as a piece of entertainment, the everlasting value comes from what's behind the surface. The film is supposed to be an allegory about the end of the gunslinger era, and by the end we come to understand this. From the beautiful landscape cinematography to the committed performances of the main cast, it is no wonder that Shane has been revered as one of the greatest Westerns of all time. What makes Shane truly stand out however are its themes. From the coming of age young Joe goes through, we cant help too but to marvel at Shane. Despite his reservation as a closeted man, he beams of confidence. This isn't a cold blooded killer, but it is someone who has done things he regrets. When Shane is forced to go down that path once more, its made all the more potent as we know he must leave the valley. Running away from your past isn't easy, and Shane knows this all too well. As he tells young Joey, "There's no living for the killing". As Joey yells for him to come back, you cant help but get a little weepy eyed.So what is the final verdict? There isn't much that hasn't already been said about this film, but the answer is clear. The stakes are high, and this film soars. Shane is a pure classic of cinema. As much as older movies can grow dated, the heart of this story will remain its crowning jewel. For that reason, Shane will remain a gem for a very long time. If you haven't, see it already!

ShaneThe reason you don't see old gunslingers is because greeters at Wal-Mart cannot be armed.Another reason, as this Western points out is that most end up dead.After the Civil War a weathered gunfighter, Shane (Alan Ladd), moseys into a Wyoming settlement where he befriends a farmer (Van Heflin), his wife (Jean Arthur) and their son Joey (Brandon deWilde). When Shane learns a greedy cattleman (Emile Meyer) and his henchman (Jack Palance) are strong-arming the settlers off their property, he agrees to help fight back. Admired by Joey for his prowess with a pistol, Shane cautions him on the way of the gun.Still one of the greatest films ever produced thanks to its poignant storytelling, compelling characters and ambiguous ending, this Technicolor adaption of the popular paperback is a gritty dissertation on obsolescence.Besides, the world still needs gunslingers to perform twice daily at Wild West theme parks.Green Lightvidiotreviews.blogspot.ca