Hindsight

Classic Kids, or 100 films the kids in your life have to see by 13 or else!

Day 57:  Shane (1953) *kids over 9

Another great film that includes a child's perspective, Shane is a classic western that stars a Young Brandon De Wilde as the boy, Van Heflin and Jean Arthur as his parents, and Alan Ladd as the Stranger (Shane).  The bad guy, literally dressed all in black, is played by the hyper-masculine Jack Palance.  Yes, this is a film about good guys and bad guys, but oh, so much more.  Shot in the Teton Mountains, their is a visual splendour to the movie, that almost overpowers the narrative.  The film was shot in Vista-vision and meant to be seen on the big screen, so turn off all of the lights and make sure to watch the movie only in letterbox.  George Stevens, the director of I Remember Mama, again puts together, with Shane, a film that through framing of characters, use of music, and pace,  set the standard for Westerns that followed.  From beginning to end this film is pure perfection, sigh!

Themes:  Ranchers, Farmers, Water rights, Guns

Media literacy questions for kids:  Why is the young boy so fascinated with Shane?  What part of the country was the film shot in?