The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence (1962)

This film didn't win any Oscars -- in fact, it was nominated only for Edith Head's costumes -- but it features one of John Wayne's best performances and is one of the most acclaimed of director John Ford's Westerns. James Stewart stars as "Ransom Stoddart," an idealistic lawyer who quickly discovers that the hand gun is still the only law in the wild west. Of course, Ransom discovers this the hard way after numerous run-ins with the local evil guy, Liberty Valence (Lee Marvin). Vera Miles stars as "Hallie," the local babe who sparks a rivalry between Ransom and horse-trader Tom (John Wayne).

While James Stewart and Vera Miles provide their usual quality performances, and while Lee Marvin couldn't be more splendidly vicious, in the end it is John Wayne's performance that will pique your interest. This truly is one of his best, most complicated roles, taking what otherwise would be an ordinary subplot and making it as important as the main story: Ransom's inner struggle between violence and pacifism. Like the man who shot Liberty Valence, this film is indeed legendary.

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