1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

The film shows exactly what we was touched upon in class. John Ford used Stagecoach as a vehicle to create a message on social inequality and social justice. The characters each represented a social standing in society of opposite spectrums and perspectives. These characters are thrown into a situation in each they are forced to interact, negotiate, and even look beyond their prejudice view towards the other. Stagecoach exemplifies A-movie storyline and character complexity. From the ostracized town prostitute and defaced doctor to the always poised military wife, these characters are faced with another character, the landscape.

2) Find a related article and summarize the content. In Russel Meeufs article Shouldering the Weight of the World: The Sensational and Global Appeal of John Waynes Body, he describes just what exactly catapulted John Wayne from B-movie actor to A-list American icon. He explores how John Waynes sheer body size, body language, and attitude helped bring back the every though man from the west. A quiet yet strong demeanor was the way of John Wayne and his characters. His body was evoked sensations by its large size yet graceful movement in violent scenes. Even German audiences were drawn to his physical image; he was regarded by German director Wim Wenders as the most popular American actor in Germany citing his physical and mental strength. Even during the cold war Nikita Khrushchev declared Wayne as his favorite movie start. It almost seemed as if anyone who was drawn to strength, power, dominance, and endurance regarded Wayne as an example of those concepts. The article also creates a link between John Waynes large physical presence and the very American concept of capitalism. In an era of cold war tension Waynes physique was the result of what true rugged independence could accomplish. It takes a superior human to build a capitalist society. http://library.kean.edu:2048/login?url=http://library.kean.edu:2054/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthT ype=cookie,ip,url,cpid&custid=keaninf&db=aph&AN=61352943&site=ehost-live&scope=site 3) Apply the article to the film screened in class. The article mentions how John Waynes physical presence was a main vehicle that moved him from B-movie actor to A-list icon. This concept is evident in the very first the Ringo Kid appears when he rose out of the empty frontier in Monument Valley.

Then we see Waynes large yet graceful and agile frame dive into the team of out of control horses, he tries to gain control of the stagecoach. Each movement was pure and natural giving his performance a slow and fluid grace.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film. The film is a great example of the evolution of a new genre into a-list appeal, the western. The storyline had come a long way and one can really appreciate John Fords mission with his characters. However, I feel that Im too spoiled with modern day storytelling and character development. I wish the characters were explored a little more. Maybe a deeper back story or flashbacks in the characters past would have complemented the narration. Its left to interpretation, for example, the reason behind the gamblers sudden act of aggression towards the military wife. As well as to why the military wife felt her pregnancy had to be kept in secret. Then again, we probably have to be more familiar with the times to understand that particular subject.