The West is in its last days, and a lawyer, Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart) comes to town. He meets Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) on his way to town as Valance beats him with a whip during a hold up of the stage coach. Tom Doniphon (John Wayne) collects him of the trail and brings him to town. Doniphon uses a gun for his talking, and Stoddard law books. Valance also uses guns and violence. Stoddard has a couple more run ns with Valance. The sheriff, Link Appleyard (Andy Devine) is ineffectual. Doniphon has a girl, Hallie (Vera Miles) at least he claims her, but she takes a liking to Stoddard. Stoddard teaches her to read.
The territory is going through a struggle for statehood. Stoddard and Valance are on opposite sides of the issue. He represents the ranchers who want to keep things open and wild. Dutton Peabody (Edmond O'Brien) the newspaper editor writes a derogatory story about Valance. He gets himself a beating for his efforts. Valance issues a challenge for Stoddard. Something has to give.
Very good movie with an interesting twist at the end. Different philosophies collide and Doniphon is a dying breed. Pompey (Woody Strode) is Doniphon's sidekick.
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