Stagecoach (1939)

Stagecoach is a film that revived the Western as a film genre, solidified John Ford as one of the iconic Western directors, and made John Wayne into a star. It's also a strong ensemble feature that boasts gripping action scenes, gorgeous shots of Monument Valley, tight editing, layered characterization, and defining performances from Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, and Thomas Mitchell. Ryan is joined by Rachel for this look at one of the defining gems of Golden Age Hollywood. This is the first Western covered by Reel Deep Dive, so there's some dialogue about how Western cinema helped craft an American mythology (and how those myths clash with actual history). Other points of discussion include Stagecoach's depictions of sex workers, Civil War veterans, bankers, and alcoholics. Since this is the movie that made John Wayne famous, Rachel and Ryan also talk about Wayne's complex legacy as an idol of traditional American masculinity, ranging from the development of his screen persona to his infamous Playboy interview. Rachel, being Rachel, also contributes a godawful John Wayne impression and a comparison between Stagecoach and Gilligan's Island.