Something Elemental and Great in Liberty Valance

SPOILERS

This sole teaming of Wayne and Stewart (before The Shootist with Stewart in a mere cameo role) and late John Ford winner(albeit kind creaky) is so wonderfully elemental in its characters and ultimately tragic premise.

"Good lawyer" James Stewart
"Evil gunman" Lee Marvin
"Good gunman" John Wayne

For much of the movie, Stewart keeps claiming that he is going to use "the law" to stop the brutal and psychotic Valance.

But Valance beats Stewart up early in the story, threatens him in his waiter job at the steak house, and finally challenges Stewart to a gunfight.

The only thing protecting Stewart and saving him from Valance for much of the time is: good gunman John Wayne. And Wayne's GUN.

For "the law" has no teeth if not backed by law enforcement and the power of ...a gun.
And a man who knows how to use it(Wayne.)

It is a matter of some bravery -- and great stupidity -- that Stewart agrees to go out into the street and face Valance in a gunfight. He is bound to lose, sure to die. "The law" doesn't matter at all. Stewart was going to sacrifice himself for nothing.

Until Wayne and his GUN get the job done(unknown to Stewart OR us til the end.)

I don't know if The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a great movie -- but its a great STORY.