‘Two Rode Together’: An Admirable John Ford Western

This western portrays James Stewart as a relaxed and charming cowboy.

Improvisations of the best kind—Lieutenant Jim Gary (Richard Widmark, L) and Marshal Guthrie McCabe (James Stewart), in “Two Rode Together.” Columbia Pictures

NR | 1h 49m | Drama, Western | 1961

Legendary actor James Stewart worked with director Anthony Mann in westerns, which I’ve reviewed (1950’s “Winchester ’73” and 1953’s “Thunder Bay”), where he played more serious characters. In nonwesterns, he has played fun, engaging characters in films that made him popular, such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1947), and “The Shop Around the Corner” (1940). He naturally infused many of his roles with a sense of good-natured charm.