Is 'Shane' the best Western ever?

June 21, 2021 at 7:48PM
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Alan Ladd as “Shane.” (File/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Q: I'm 84 years old and a lifelong fan of Western movies. Considering the perfect cast of actors, including Alan Ladd, the great work of director George Stevens, the story and the beautiful scenery, I think "Shane" is the best Western ever made. Your opinion, please.

A: Well, "Shane" is pretty great. But I lean toward "The Searchers." An American Film Institute survey of the best Westerns lists "Shane" as third, behind top-ranked "The Searchers" and "High Noon." The most recent version of the Sight & Sound poll ranks "The Searchers" highest among Westerns — in seventh place among all films. "The Searchers" also has a top cast led by John Wayne in one of his best roles, direction by John Ford, script by Frank S. Nugent (based on Alan LeMay's novel) and extraordinary visuals.

'Penn & Teller'

Q: My favorite program is "Penn & Teller: Fool Us." Will it be back?

A: The fall season of The CW will indeed include more of "Fool Us" starting on Oct. 1.

Write to brenfels@gmail.com.

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Rich Heldenfels, Tribune News Service

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