Shane (NR)
"Come back, Shane!" Classic Western for the ages.
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- Studio: Paramount
- Directed By: George Stevens
- Cast: Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Alan Ladd, Brandon de Wilde, Jack Palance, Emile Meyer
- Running Time: 118 minutes
- Release Date: 04/23/1953
- Video/DVD Release Date: 08/15/2000
- Genre: Classic
- MPAA Rating: NR
Parents need to know
Families can talk about how the characters seem unable to escape their social roles. Though it's not spelled out in detail, Shane is a veteran gunfighter trying to put his violent past behind him, but he winds up pulled back into killing, even if he is supposedly defending innocent people. Even the villains seem to be offering a last-minute compromise solution, which is declined. Did the conflict have to turn out the way it did? What do you think would have happened if Shane stayed with the Starretts?
Message
Social Behavior:
Most characters take principled stands, putting their lives on the line for what they believe is right. But their hidden motivations result in violence. Shane tries to put his deadly past behind him, but gets dragged back into killing. He resists temptations to join the bad guys and have an affair. A supporting character is depicted (warmly) as a Confederate. Indians and other people of color are invisible.
Consumerism:
Based on a popular (and equally fine) novel.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Whisky galore in a cowboy saloon, with Shane significantly humiliated, abused, and told he's not a "man" when he orders non-alcoholic stuff. Other characters get notably drunk.
Violence
Fistfights and shootings, many of the bullets turning out to be fatal. Director Stevens, a WWII veteran, was determined to keep the gunplay realistic -- not gory, but not harmless and cartoony either.
Sex
Only the modest indication that Mrs. Starrett is attracted to Shane.
Language
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Charles Cassady, Jr.
Is it any good?
Shane functions on multiple levels for young viewers and parents, addressing questions of youthful idol-worship, adult redemption, the uses of violence, forbidden attraction, and people forced to live out unpopular roles against their wills.
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