This Western stands out from the crowded pack for two reasons. First, it stars BOTH Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne--that's a lot of star power in these leads and both had done quite a few Westerns. While Wayne had done quite a few more Westerns, Stewart's all had the distinction of being exceptional films--that's quite a track record. Second, the story is unusual--and that just doesn't happy often enough in this genre. The idea of a bully intimidating the towns people ISN'T unique, but the way it was told in flashbacks and the resolution of the problem is quite creative.
Because this is a John Ford directed film, it is naturally of superb quality--with excellent pacing and supporting characters (a Ford trademark of sorts). While I don't think this film is necessarily his best film with John Wayne (THE QUIET MAN and FORT APACHE, I think, are slightly better), it is still a great film.
The only negative portion of the movie is when John Wayne goes on a bender and burns down his own home. While I understood WHY he was so upset, his reaction just seemed like a big temper tantrum and was pretty unrealistic. A minor quibble, but a quibble nonetheless.
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