The Man from Laramie Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Jimmy Stewart gets shot in the hand, makes some questionable life choices, and avenges his brother by… existing aggressively.

🍿 The Man from Laramie: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Coronado and Initial Conflict

Will Lockhart arrives in Coronado, New Mexico, delivering supplies but secretly seeking information about the sale of repeating rifles to the Apaches, which led to his brother’s death. He quickly clashes with Dave Waggoman, the volatile son of powerful rancher Alec Waggoman, after Dave mistakenly believes Lockhart is trespassing. This initial conflict escalates when Dave and his men destroy Lockhart’s wagons and kill his mules, setting the stage for further confrontations.

Escalating Tension and Violent Retaliation

The feud between Lockhart and Dave intensifies as Lockhart remains in Coronado, determined to uncover the truth behind the gun sales. Another confrontation leads to both men being shot in the hand. Lockhart’s resolve deepens as he uncovers evidence implicating Dave and Vic Hansbro, Alec’s trusted foreman, in the illicit arms trade. This revelation sets in motion a chain of events that will expose the dark underbelly of Coronado’s power structure.

Exposing the Truth and Facing Consequences

As Lockhart gets closer to the truth, tensions within the Waggoman family reach a breaking point. Vic, fearing exposure, is forced to kill Dave in self-defense. He then manipulates Alec into believing Lockhart is responsible for Dave’s death. Lockhart, however, is determined to reveal the full extent of Vic’s involvement, leading to a final confrontation where the truth is exposed and justice, though brutal, is ultimately served.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Will Lockhart (James Stewart): An army captain, posing as a supply deliverer, seeks vengeance for his brother’s death by finding the gunrunners selling rifles to the Apaches.
• Alec Waggoman (Donald Crisp): The aging and increasingly blind cattle baron struggles to maintain control of his ranch and family.
• Vic Hansbro (Arthur Kennedy): Alec Waggoman’s loyal foreman, harbors a hidden ambition and becomes embroiled in illegal gunrunning.
• Dave Waggoman (Alex Nicol): The cruel and impulsive son of Alec Waggoman, causing conflict and fueling the tension of the story.
• Barbara Waggoman (Cathy O’Donnell): Alec’s niece and a local storekeeper, caught between loyalties and drawn to Lockhart’s integrity.
• Kate Canaday (Aline MacMahon): A strong-willed rancher and Alec Waggoman’s rival, she hires Lockhart and offers him support.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Will Lockhart: “You’re just a hard, scheming, old woman, aren’t you?” – Lockhart says this to Kate Canaday when he recognizes her shrewd and manipulative nature.
• Kate Canady: “Ugly, too.” – Kate responds to Lockhart’s accusation with self-deprecating humor, showcasing her resilience.
• Alec Waggoman: “I can’t live with a lie.” – This statement underscores Waggoman’s rigid moral code, even as he struggles with his family’s actions.
• Will Lockhart: “You scum!” – Lockhart yells this in agony after Dave Waggoman shoots him in the hand at point blank range.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $5,957

💥 The Man from Laramie Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved *The Man from Laramie*! The New Mexico landscape was stunning, and Jimmy Stewart really sold his character’s angst and determination. The scene where he gets shot in the hand was BRUTAL – I audibly gasped! The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall, I found it a really compelling and enjoyable western experience.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological dramas”
  • “Fans of James Stewart and Anthony Mann collaborations”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about revenge and justice”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence, including gunfights and physical altercations”
  • “Themes of revenge and betrayal”
  • “Brief scenes of cruelty”
  • “Some dated depictions of Native Americans”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “A compelling Western with the unique touch of director Anthony Mann. Stewart delivers a superb performance with complex family dynamics and a touch of sadism. Highly recommend!
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A well-acted movie that is gripping every step of the way. Great cinematography and great plot. Highly recommended to lovers of the Western classics.
• AllMovie: “This is a well-directed and well acted James Stewart classic. A psychological thriller that all lovers of Westerns should watch!

Audience Reactions

Arthur Kennedy’s performance stands out: Most viewers loved the performances, the cinematography, and the film’s exploration of themes like revenge and morality.

The scenery is amazing and breath taking!: Most people loved the landscapes and backgrounds!

Overall Consensus: A solid Western film with a compelling plot line, excellent performances and great backgrounds.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “James Stewart considered this his personal favorite of all the Westerns he made.”
• “The film was one of the first Westerns to be shot in CinemaScope, emphasizing the vast New Mexico landscapes.”
• “Anthony Mann’s direction brought a darker, more violent edge to the Western genre, influencing later filmmakers like Sam Peckinpah and Sergio Leone.”
• “The film was shot on location in New Mexico, adding authenticity to the setting and the performances.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Man from Laramie?

The Man from Laramie is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services or for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Man from Laramie, you might like these similar films:

• Winchester ’73 (1950): Another collaboration between James Stewart and Anthony Mann, featuring a similar quest for vengeance and a darker take on the Western genre.
• The Naked Spur (1953): Another psychological western directed by Anthony Mann, starring James Stewart, that explores the dark side of human nature and the complexities of morality.
• High Noon (1952): A classic Western about a man standing alone against overwhelming odds, sharing themes of moral courage and the burden of responsibility.
• Unforgiven (1992): A later, more revisionist Western that also explores themes of violence, revenge, and the cost of a life lived outside the law.
• The Searchers (1956): A classic Western about a man standing alone against overwhelming odds, sharing themes of moral courage and the burden of responsibility.

🛒 The Man from Laramie Related Products

• The Man from Laramie [Blu-ray]: Experience the wild west in high definition. A must-have for any Western movie enthusiast.
• Western Movie Posters – Set of 6 (12×18): Add a touch of classic Hollywood to your home with these reproduction posters.
• Frontier Justice: Western Role Playing Game: Create your own western adventure with this western role playing game. Explore new lands as you create your own story
• The Men Who Made the West: The Story of the Wild West: Explore the gripping tales of legendary figures, from cowboys and outlaws to lawmen and pioneers, who shaped the American West.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Man from Laramie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Man From Laramie” – performed by Lester Lee – Ned Washington (Sung by a chorus behind the credits)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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