I am lucky enough to have been able to see the original "Stagecoach" (1939) on the big screen during a film festival. After seeing it, I understood exactly why this film was much of the reason John Wayne catapulted from B-movies to a top-tier actor. The John Ford directed story is about as perfect a western as you can find. So in light of this, why would they choose to remake the movie in 1966...especially when the 1939 version was so very famous?!
In one way do I think that the 1966 version might be better (or at least close)...the cast. The film has two Oscar winners...Bing Crosby and Red Buttons. It also has a few other famous folks, such as Bob Cummings, Ann-Margret, Keenan Wynn and Van Heflin...and several more familiar faces. The only big disappointment is having Alex Cord playing the Ringo Kid...the role that was just perfect for John Wayne. Try as he might, Cord is no John Wayne. Heck, John Wayne isn't even John Wayne!!
The basic plot is the same. A group of people are taking a doomed stagecoach from town. A few are there because they have worn out their welcome. A few are respectable citizens...though a few really aren't all that respectable after all! Along the way, they pick up a horseless man (the Ringo Kid, whose horse has died) and a group of marauding Lakota Indians. Can the motley group manage to make it safely to their destination? And, once there, can the Ringo Kid avoid being killed by a gang intent on his death?
One way the remake is superior apart from the number of stars in it is the cinematography. Now the 1939 film is gorgeous and was filmed in such wonderful locations as Monument Valley. However, it was black and white. The remake is in vivid color using the wide screen process, plus the Rocky Mountains are gorgeous...and even nicer than Ford's locations...though not by much. For seeing the best version of Ford's west using Monument Valley, try "The Searchers"...which is in full color and is possibly the best looking western ever.
Otherwise, the original film is just better. The original is, most importantly, original. But it also features an amazing Wayne performance, better stunts, and better direction. After all, few directors are the equal of John Ford.
In one way do I think that the 1966 version might be better (or at least close)...the cast. The film has two Oscar winners...Bing Crosby and Red Buttons. It also has a few other famous folks, such as Bob Cummings, Ann-Margret, Keenan Wynn and Van Heflin...and several more familiar faces. The only big disappointment is having Alex Cord playing the Ringo Kid...the role that was just perfect for John Wayne. Try as he might, Cord is no John Wayne. Heck, John Wayne isn't even John Wayne!!
The basic plot is the same. A group of people are taking a doomed stagecoach from town. A few are there because they have worn out their welcome. A few are respectable citizens...though a few really aren't all that respectable after all! Along the way, they pick up a horseless man (the Ringo Kid, whose horse has died) and a group of marauding Lakota Indians. Can the motley group manage to make it safely to their destination? And, once there, can the Ringo Kid avoid being killed by a gang intent on his death?
One way the remake is superior apart from the number of stars in it is the cinematography. Now the 1939 film is gorgeous and was filmed in such wonderful locations as Monument Valley. However, it was black and white. The remake is in vivid color using the wide screen process, plus the Rocky Mountains are gorgeous...and even nicer than Ford's locations...though not by much. For seeing the best version of Ford's west using Monument Valley, try "The Searchers"...which is in full color and is possibly the best looking western ever.
Otherwise, the original film is just better. The original is, most importantly, original. But it also features an amazing Wayne performance, better stunts, and better direction. After all, few directors are the equal of John Ford.