Stagecoach

Stagecoach

Year: 1939

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: John Ford

AdventureDramaWestern

As a dusty stagecoach rumbles down treacherous terrain, an unlikely assortment of travelers - including a rugged outlaw, a card-sharping gambler, and the legendary Doc Holliday - find themselves in the unlikeliest of company: Geronimo's war party.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Stagecoach (1939)
Trace every key event in Stagecoach (1939) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Peter Arnold Retires to His Ranch

In the rugged landscapes of the Old West, Peter Arnold, a wealthy man, decides to retire to his ranch. He brings along his daughter, Jessie, who is less than thrilled about the frontier lifestyle.

Old West
2

Jessie's Desire for San Francisco

Jessie expresses her deep yearning to return to San Francisco, where she hopes to pursue a romantic interest. Her discontent becomes a central conflict as she clashes with her father's dreams for their ranch life.

San Francisco
3

Thatcher's Conspiracy

The ranch foreman, Thatcher, harbors sinister intentions and conspires to eliminate Mr. Arnold. He instructs his henchmen, Clint and Parnell, to carry out his treacherous plan as Mr. Arnold journeys to the ranch.

Arnold Ranch
4

The Ambush Foiled

As Clint and Parnell attempt to ambush Mr. Arnold, they are heroically thwarted by stagecoach line operators Dave Collins and Chito Rafferty. This moment reveals the dangers of the frontier and sets the stage for escalating tensions.

Old West
5

The Mistaken Target

Clint and Parnell, in their confusion, mistakenly target another stagecoach rather than Mr. Arnold's. This stagecoach carries Dave, Chito, Jessie in disguise, and their friend Birdie, leading to an unexpected twist.

Stagecoach Route
6

Robbery and Discovery

During the robbery, Clint and Parnell realize they have the wrong stagecoach but take a strong box containing $20,000. Jessie identifies Parnell when his mask slips, marking the beginning of her involvement in the events.

Stagecoach
7

Rushing to the Sheriff

After the robbery, Dave and Chito rush to inform the sheriff while leaving Jessie under Birdie's care. Their tale adds pressure as they learn of Mr. Arnold's worsening situation with the sheriff.

Sheriff's Office
8

The Sheriff Investigates

The sheriff, along with his deputies, sets out to investigate the robberies after Mr. Arnold reports his daughter missing. Tension rises as Dave has a confrontation that leads to a bar brawl with Parnell.

Local Bar
9

Jessie's Escape

In a turn of events, Jessie successfully escapes Birdie's watch. Meanwhile, Dave and Jessie soon find themselves confronted by Thatcher and Clint, realizing her knowledge of Parnell's identity could lead to danger.

Frontier Town
10

The Gunfight Erupts

A fierce gunfight breaks out when Jessie shoots Clint, forcing him and Thatcher to retreat. This is a pivotal moment that demonstrates her bravery and the escalating violence in their pursuit of justice.

Frontier Town
11

Thatcher's Deception

Thatcher deceives Mr. Arnold at the sheriff's office, claiming to have sold cattle for $20,000. This moment highlights the treachery among characters as the search for Jessie intensifies.

Sheriff's Office
12

Jessie's Admission

In an unexpected confession, Jessie tells Dave she has no desire to return to San Francisco and reveals her feelings for him. This revelation complicates their relationship amid the ongoing chaos.

Ranch
13

The Fateful Confrontation

After Parnell threatens Jessie, a chase ensues filled with tension. The confrontation leads to Parnell's discontent with Thatcher, who ends up dead at Parnell's hands, shifting the balance of power.

Frontier
14

The Final Showdown

As Parnell corners Mr. Arnold at the ranch, a fierce struggle ensues. Dave, Chito, and Jessie ride out to rescue him, resulting in an explosive and climactic shootout that determines their fates.

Arnold Ranch
15

Resolution and New Beginnings

After the battle, Mr. Arnold gives his blessing for Dave and Jessie to wed, marking a new chapter for them. Meanwhile, Birdie, in a wedding dress, comically chases after Chito, revealing the lighter side of their journey.

Ranch

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:37

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