Stagecoach

BFI Film Classics

by Edward Buscombe

Shedding new light on an old favorite, this is an enjoyable account of how Stagecoach was made. This book combines a with a careful scene-by-scene analysis, a wealth of illustrations and the most complete credits yet assembled.

Genres: Film, Westerns, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Russio]

Interesting but so dated. The edition I read was pre-1992 and, while it made a case for the virtues of the film, it still referred to native Americans as ‘Indians,’ which surprised me. For such a cogent analysis, it was troubling that - even if it was of its time - the mislabelling of a whole people was included without thought or reflection. I hope the latest edition has dealt with that.

[Ranette]

This story looks at the lives of a group of people riding on a stagecoach across country. Some coming from the Civil war, another a country doctor, and a young man going to prison, and attacks from Indians. A baby is born during the ride and two fall in love.

[martha s. williams]

Stagecoach

Easily one of my favorite movies of all time. I was so glad to see a book about the film and learn a few things that I hadn't known previously. My only gripe is, I wish it had gone into what the actors thought about it and more dirt dishing, so to speak. Though I suppose that would make it less high toned.

[Simon]

He knows what he's talking about. He enthuses about the film while being aware of its shortcomings and makes viewing the movie an altogether more enriching experience. If you like the film, read the book.

[Neil Alcock]

One of the very best in the BFI series. Takes the film scene by scene, analysing and explaining context along the way in an unpretentious, informative and readable way. I've enjoyed all the BFI Classics I've read, but this is an essential companion to the film, which can't be said for all of them.