MovieChat Forums > Stagecoach (1939) Discussion > class system of the west

class system of the west


Hey,

always wondered; did the old west have some sort of class system? Each western treats it differently; prostitutes are sometimes outcast, and in other westerns they seem accepted by all. Stagecoach is a classic example of the first.

I know that this difference is mostly subjective to the content and story of the movie, which it ultimately serves, but how did they look at it in the real old west? Anyone knows

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Ford is dealing with the effects of "civilization" upon the mythical Old West, which was more free and democratic. That becomes clear with the ironically pronounced (next to) last words of the film, when Doc Boone says to the sheriff: "They'll be safe from the blessings of civilization."

"Sometimes you have to take the bull by the tail, and face the truth" - G. Marx

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