No western
came close to matching the popularity of "Shane," a great cinematic treasure
available now on DVD and VHS. It told a familiar
story, but A.J Guthrie
Jr's screenplay (based on Jack Shaeffer's novel), George Stevens' direction,
and a superb cast headed by Alan Ladd (pictured), Van Heflin, and Jean Arthur
(in her last screen appearance), offered up something truly special. "Shane"
captured six Oscar nominations, attracted audiences not usually interested
in westerns, and earned Alan Ladd a respected place in the hearts of western
fans everywhere.
Jack Palance was the scallywag. He
turned a simple act of putting on a glove into a chilling prelude to murder.
Emile Meyer was another who was fascinating to watch. And Elisha
Cook Jr. and Ben Johnson left memories. But from the opening scene
to the last fade-out, the picture belonged to child star Brandon DeWilde.
He spoke for every small boy who ever gave his heart to a western
hero.
What more could a small boy want
than a hero like Shane?