Donald Meek (Mr. Peacock) just about steals the movie for me. He's always "in the moment" even with no dialogue. Absolutely perfect in his stillness.
Andy Devine (Buck) is perfect as well, not just a buffoon. Watch and listen to his character; never a false moment. A noisy and brash contrast to Meek.
I cannot foresee a time when I will ever tire of watching Stagecoach.
You can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead.
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Andy Devine never made a bad movie. His film presence and unmistakable voice insured his character actor career. Seems he always played humorous and buffoon parts. The only time I can recall him in a dramatic role was in "Pete Kelly's Blues." He was good at that too.
shareI couldn't agree more with the OP. :) Of course I love Dallas, Ringo, and Doc Boone, but I think that Mr. Peacock just may have been my favorite character! He was quite adorable--my reaction to his being shot was "Noooooooo!!!!!!" I was so relieved to find out that he lived! :D And Meek (appropriate name) played him just perfectly indeed; every little action of his, even in the background--so right! xD
And naturally you've got to appreciate Buck as well! Devine's voice couldn't have been better for him.. Those two did make a good contrast with one another, and both provided terrific comic relief, yet were so much more than that, too. Loved this movie!
Regarding Andy Devine -- I love that item in the Trivia section that says John Ford wanted Ward Bond for that part. But Ward Bond could not drive a 6-horse team, there was not time to train him, but Andy Devine already knew how. That's pretty cool, IMO.