Wayne and Stewart are two of the biggest names in Hollywood history.
The former was John Fords muse; the latter was Alfred Hitchcocks.
Wayne and Stewart were massive stars in the Golden Age, and they each represented something totally different.
Waynes stoic sternness is contrasted with Stewarts aw-shucks affability in really interesting ways.
None of them are bad movies, but one of them outshines the others.
So, which is the greatest Wayne/Stewart western?
It was essentially a cinematic miniseries that was shown back-to-back on the big screen.
The whole historical epic is told through the eyes of the Rawlings family, led by Stewarts Linus Rawlings.
Wayne plays the real-life General William Tecumseh Sherman in the films third chapter.
Waynes role inHow the West Was Wonisnt huge, but he arrives at a pivotal point in the story.
Theres something poignant about watching a dying movie star bring that pain and reflection to the screen.
For most of his career, Wayne played the typical hero.
Custom Image by Alfredo Alvarado
Hes not a straightforward hero, and thats what makes him so interesting.
It utilizes what made each of them such great actors and such beloved stars.
The film begins with Stewarts U.S. Tom saved Ranse after he was beaten and robbed by the notorious outlaw Liberty Valance and his gang.
What blossomed out of that noble act of heroism was a beautiful, lasting friendship.
But at the same time, he doesnt shy away from the violence and bleakness of the setting.
If the movie ended 20 minutes before it did, it wouldve been perfect.
