The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), directed by John Ford and starring James Stewart and John Wayne, is a profound, elegiac Western that questions the myths at the heart of American identity. Departing from the action-driven style of earlier Westerns, the film explores themes of justice, legend, and political transformation through a gripping tale of morality and memory. With its stark black-and-white cinematography and powerful performances, it marks a turning point in the genre—reflecting a more introspective, revisionist tone. As one of Ford’s final masterpieces, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance helped redefine the Western as a vehicle for serious, reflective storytelling.

Screened in 35mm!

Introduced by Dr. Drew Casper, Professor Emeritus and the first holder of the Alma and Alfred Hitchcock Chair in American Film, USC School of the Cinematic Arts.

The What Is a Western? Film Series explores the wide range of movies that can be considered Westerns, and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the American West. Each screening features a guest lecturer who introduces the film and explains its significance within the genre.