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Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Brandon De Wilde, Jack Palance ... see more see more... , Ben Johnson , Edgar Buchanan , Emile G. Meyer , Douglas Spencer , John Dierkes , Ellen Corby , Paul McVey , Edith Evanson , Leonard Strong , Ray Spiker , Janice Carroll , Martin Mason , Helen Brown , Nancy Kulp , Bill Cartledge , Elisha Cook Jr. , Chester W. Hannan , George J. Lewis , John Miller , Rex Moore , Steve Raines , Beverly Washburn , Henry Wills , Ewing Miles Brown , Howard Negley , Charles Quirk , Jack Sterling

The simple story of a Wyoming range war is elevated to near-mythical status in producer/director George Stevens' Western classic Shane. Alan Ladd plays the title character, a mysterious drifter who ri... read more read more...des into a tiny homesteading community and accepts the hospitality of a farming family. Patriarch Joe Starrett (Van Heflin) is impressed by the way Shane handles himself when facing down the hostile minions of land baron Emile Meyer, though he has trouble placing his complete trust in the stranger, as his Marion (Jean Arthur) is attracted to Shane in spite of herself, and his son Joey (Brandon De Wilde) flat-out idolizes Shane. When Meyer is unable to drive off the homesteaders by sheer brute strength, he engages the services of black-clad, wholly evil hired gun Jack Wilson (Jack Palance). The moment that Wilson shows he means business by shooting down hotheaded farmer Frank Torrey (Elisha Cook Jr.) is the film's most memorable scene: after years of becoming accustomed to carefully choreographed movie death scenes, the suddenness with which Torrey's life is snuffed out -- and the force with which he falls to the ground -- are startling. Shane knows that a showdown with Wilson is inevitable; he also knows that, unintentionally, he has become a disruptive element in the Starrett family. The manner in which he handles both these problems segues into the now-legendary "Come back, Shane" finale. Cinematographer Loyal Griggs imbues this no-frills tale with the outer trappings of an epic, forever framing the action in relation to the unspoiled land surrounding it. A.B. Guthrie Jr.'s screenplay, adapted from the Jack Schaefer novel, avoids the standard good guy/bad guy clichés: both homesteaders and cattlemen are shown as three-dimensional human beings, flaws and all, and even ostensible villain Emile Meyer comes off reasonable and logical when elucidating his dislike of the "newcomers" who threaten to divest him of his wide open spaces. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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78% liked it

14,102 ratings

Critics

97% liked it

29 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 57 min.

Directed by: George Stevens

Release Date: April 24, 1953

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DVD Release Date: August 15, 2000

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Flixster Reviews (821)

  • cosmo313
    January 10, 2012
    cosmo313
    Often considered a high watermark for the western genre, and an integral part of the mythologizing of the Old West, this is George Stevens's production of that age -old story of a rugged loner who, bound by a sense of honor and decency, finds himself returning to a life he long a... read morebandoned and vowed to never return to, but does, because he realizes there is a greater good in it, even if it weighs heavy on his soul.

    In simple terms (as this is a simple and straightforward movie), this is about a loner and retired gunfighter named Shane who one day comes across the land of a simple homesteader, and stays to help defend the man against a wealthy cattle baron and his thuggish hired guns.

    Even when this was released, the story was nothing new, and yet, there's a very endearing quality about it that makes it hard not to like. I am underwhelmed by it, as I didn't end up loving it like I've been told I should, but relax, I still liked it, even if it did sorta let me down.

    Part of the reason may be because of the fact that the stroy is so simple and straight forward. There's nothing really complex or deep on display, although I was suprprised by the ambiguity and maturity of the ending. I wasm't expecting that, but I do really appreciate it. Now, I had the final scene spoiled for me many tiems before, but seeing it in context it was really makes it work, and where the ambiguity comes in. I figured given the time period, it would have been more neat, tidy, and on the nose, but I won't complain with how they decided to do it. Despite the simplicity of the rest of it though, the film sure feels a lot longer than two hours, and the drawn out-ness could have been used to greater effect. Either that or cut the running time down to the bare essentials.

    Despite the above nit picking though, this is a pretty solid film. The casting is good, and the performances are quite good. Alan Ladd is terrific as Shane, Jack Palance is in good form as the thug Jack Wilson, and even the little kid Brandon De Wilde isn't annoying enough to derail thigngs. Plus, the cinematogrpahy is just excellent, and I can see why it got so much acclaim back in the day.

    The film might be pure cliched formula, and perhaps a tad too sentimental and simple, but it is quite charming, and it has artistic merit. Even though it is overrated and underwhelming (mostly), I still recommend it, as it did help shape popular perception of the west and westerns in a significant way.
  • superjoker1
    August 8, 2011
    superjoker1
    Shane, for the most part, fails to entertain or to offer high-quality story telling, which makes me wonder why we all consider it one of the great classics. You'll probably have more fun watching most other early westerns.
  • deano
    September 30, 2010
    deano
    Shots of Shane (Alan Ladd) as a speck in a vast landscape add a mythic quality. What follows is a blow-by-blow account of the clash between cattle barons and homesteaders in a community where the gun rules. The stark close-ups of the young boy, Shane's adoring acolyte, are surpri... read moresingly eloquent. Restrained portrayals from Ladd and an excellent cast make this 1953 film more than bar-room brawls, even though there are plenty of those - the film starts violently and only grows more ominous.
    Director George Stevens proves again that he is master of fearsomely beautiful environment - and at not letting lurid technicolour overhelm his story.
  • flixsterman
    March 22, 2010
    flixsterman
    A little TOO sentimental to edge out The Searchers or High Noon on my list of favorite westerns, but still one of the genre's best.
  • bottcorecords1
    January 11, 2010
    bottcorecords1
    Beautiful, sprawling landscapes, evil villains (as played by Jack Palance) and of course the almost superhuman Shane are all factors that go into making this an above average western. Maybe we're seeing everything through the eyes of little joe, though, and Shane and his dad are... read moren't really the supermen they appear to be, but merely are the interpretation of the wide-eyed child. Much like the wandering samauri of Kurosawa's films, Shane comes to the aid of the poor settlers, not expecting any reward other than that of justice served for a righteous cause. This is all a basic re-interpretation of the ancient greek myths, of a hero who through strength and cunning, defeats almost insurmountable odds. Ryker (Emile Meyer) isn't necessarily evil, he's just a cattleman looking after his own best interests, and is seeing his era coming to an end. In that way, Shane see much of himself in Ryker. It seems as though differences could be settled through talking, and yet it's destined to end in bloodshed. The question of whether Shane rides off in the end and lives to fight another day or dies soon after from his wounds is moot: he knows his kind are on their way out, and he's done one last good thing in payment for all the bad he (may have) done.
  • blacksheepboy
    November 7, 2009
    blacksheepboy
    The dazzling cinematography exploring the bucolic and idyllic landscapes, together with the strong ensemble cast, helps create this fantastic western tale about a complex, divided hero and his relationship with a peaceful family.
  • kenstachnik
    September 30, 2007
    kenstachnik
    Elisha Cook Jr. is the Kenny of his generation.

    Great performances all round. Kudos to a young Jack Palance as well.
  • garyX
    May 31, 2007
    garyX
    One of those films all hail as an all time classic, and as such, I kept feeling that I should be liking it more. But for me, the family dynamic was too steretypical and apple pie, and I found the story simplistic and uninvolving. I am clearly a philestine.
  • binky013
    January 31, 2007
    binky013
    Another classic "death of the West" film; they rarely make them like this anymore. Not a lot of flash, Shane plays out as a slowly paced dirge for the days of the Wild West, now giving way to "civilization." Shane is of the old breed: the problem solver whose best argum... read moreent is to be quickest on the draw. Shane really must leave in the end because the dawning "modern" world holds no place for him. Alan Ladd's understated and thoughtful performance makes this a truly great movie.

    Jean Arthur's final fllm : ( Perhaps she was not one who wanted to leave when she'd found the bottom of her career, or maybe she was struck by the idea that it might not be good to see her aging self chronicled on the big screen. Maybe we'll never know why she walked away from the business. Hey, and why not go out when you're on top?

    Jack Palance: a villain for the ages. Man, was he ever a deep dark persona.
  • mjgildea
    November 9, 2006
    mjgildea
    One of the better westerns ever made. The last shot is amazing.

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Critic Reviews

William Brogdon
July 2, 2007
William Brogdon, Variety

Wyoming's scenic splendors against which the story is filmed are breathtaking. Sunlight, the shadow of rain storms and the eerie lights of night play a realistic part in making the picture a visual tr... Full Review

Dave Kehr
July 2, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Here, as too often in his career, Stevens is aiming to have the last word on a genre: everything aims for 'classic' status, and everything falters in a mire of artsiness and obtrusive technique. Full Review

Bosley Crowther
May 20, 2003
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

For Shane contains something more than beauty and the grandeur of the mountains and plains, drenched by the brilliant Western sunshine and the violent, torrential, black-browed rains... Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

There are intriguing mysteries in Shane, puzzles and challenges, not least in the title character and the way he is played by Alan Ladd. Full Review

Charles Cassady
December 15, 2010
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media

"Come back, Shane!" Classic Western for the ages. Full Review

Scott Nash
October 18, 2010
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs

Western Poetry in Technicolor. Full Review

Dan Jardine
August 2, 2010
Dan Jardine, Cinemania

Despite being burdened with grand pretensions, George Steven's Shane stands securely as one of the most intelligent westerns of its era. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
August 12, 2008
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

The direction is deliberate, but the attention to detail is impressive, and the perfromances of Jean Arthur, Alan Ladd, and Brandon De Wilde are so good and restrained that they overcome the social-my... Full Review

Pablo Villaca
July 22, 2008
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

A maravilhosa fotografia que explora as amplas locações e a força do elenco já seriam o bastante para criar um ótimo trabalho. Mas é a riqueza psicológica do misterioso protagonista e de sua relação c...

Richard Luck
November 13, 2007
Richard Luck, Film4

Shane isn't just one of the best movies of its genre or decade -- it's one of the finest films ever made. Full Review

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    • Joe Starrett: The only way I'll leave is in a pine box.
    • Joe Starrett: The old-timers can't see it yet, but runnin' cattle on an open range can't go on. It takes too much space for too little results.
    • Shane: You can call me Shane. - Guess I spook kinda easy these days.
    • Grafton: Listen to me. The time for gun-blastin' a man off his place is passed.
    • Shane: Would you put down that gun? Then I'll leave. What's the difference? You're leaving anyway. I'd like it to be my idea.
    • Shane: I wouldn't know a Ryker from your Jersey cow.
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  • Top 100 Movie Quotes Which 1953 movie has the quote "Shane. Shane. Come back!"?  Answer »
  • In what film noir film did Alan Ladd play as the character Shane?  Answer »
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