Join us for a screening of Stagecoach, a landmark in American cinema and a defining moment for the Western genre. Directed by John Ford and featuring John Wayne in his breakout role, the film helped elevate the Western from pulp entertainment to serious art, with its rich character development, innovative storytelling, and iconic Monument Valley cinematography. Stagecoach was among the first Westerns to receive critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, solidifying its status as a foundational influence on the genre. 

At the same time, the film reflects the deeply ingrained racial attitudes of its era—particularly in its portrayal of Native Americans, who are depicted as faceless threats rather than fully realized characters. As we revisit this classic, we invite viewers to consider both its cinematic achievements and its role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes that have shaped public perception for generations. 

Directed by John Ford | Starring John Wayne, Claire Trevor, and Thomas Mitchell

After the screening, be sure to check out our new exhibition Desert Dreams and Coastal Currents, which considers the landscape of the Southwest as artistic inspiration and its lasting impact on how we see and experience the West today.

The What Is a Western? Film Series explores the wide range of movies that can be considered Westerns, and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the American West. Each screening features a guest lecturer who introduces the film and explains its significance within the genre.