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A group of men in cowboy hats and Western attire gather indoors; one man holds a coiled rope, another appears to be loading a gun, and an older man sits in the background, all in a tense black-and-white scene.

Film / Member Events

What Is a Western? | The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)

Part of the series What is a Western? Film Series

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The Autry in Griffith Park

Admission:
Free for Members | Ticket includes Museum Admission
RSVP/Reservations:
Reservations Recommended

Register Here

About the Event

Screened in 35mm! 

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), directed by John Ford and starring James Stewart and John Wayne, is a profound, elegiac Western that questions the myths at the heart of American identity. Departing from the action-driven style of earlier Westerns, the film explores themes of justice, legend, and political transformation through a gripping tale of morality and memory. With its stark black-and-white cinematography and powerful performances, it marks a turning point in the genre—reflecting a more introspective, revisionist tone. As one of Ford’s final masterpieces, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance helped redefine the Western as a vehicle for serious, reflective storytelling. 

Introduced by Dr. Drew Casper, Professor Emeritus and the first holder of the Alma and Alfred Hitchcock Chair in American Film, USC School of the Cinematic Arts.

Directed by John Ford | Starring James Stewart, John Wayne, and Vera Miles. 

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.

Movie poster for "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" featuring large images of James Stewart and John Wayne with guns, smaller scenes of cowboys, and bold red and black title text.

Land Acknowledgment

The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

Autry Museum of the American West

4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
In Griffith Park across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
Map and Directions

Free parking for Autry visitors.

MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS
Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

DINING
Food Trucks are available on select days, contact us for details at 323.495.4252.
The cafe is temporarily closed until further notice.