Man With a Past

Jack Schaefer had never gone past the western part of Ohio, where the Wild West would be found. Born to German immigrants, he was a lawyer by profession. He was also a novelist, and his masterpiece was set in the West. This practice wasn't uncommon among writers, as long as they did their research. In Schaefer's case, he wrote about a tale on loyalty and masculinity.

Alan Ladd was an unlikely actor to play the titular role in the big-screen version of Schaefer's book. He was five feet and six inches tall, which would make him relatively shorter than John Wayne and the other big stars of Western films. But George Stevens picked the right man for the part.

Joe's childhood hero

"Everything about him showed the effects of long use and hard use, but allowed too the strength of quality and competence. There was no chill on me now. Already I was imagining myself in hat and belt and boots like those."

Joe Starrett looked up at Shane when he first saw him. He worshiped his old man, Bob Starrett, the most loyal man he knew. But the young lad never met anyone like Shane. He noticed his weathered clothes right away. The stranger's chivalry got him. Bob and his family sensed they could trust him.

Bob was a cattler who lived in the land owned by Luke Fletcher. He and his men didn't fancy Shane at first sight. News would still reach their place, which seemed like the far end of the world. There was a missing gunslinger in Arizona, and Luke suspected Shane to be that person.

What a real man should be

Shane was a man of few words, with good reasons. He wanted a clean slate, but the past often catch up with anyone. Bob and his family knew Shane would defend them when there was trouble.

Schaefer depicted how a man should conduct himself, keeping away from danger until it can't be ignored anymore. The concept of masculinity changed through the decades; some men became emasculated, while others couldn't accept successful women. Make no mistake that Schaefer came from old school, where men were taught to be solitary figures, who could do anything, and would walk away when it mattered most. What are the chances of finding the likes of Shane in the modern world? It would be hard to tell, as they rather shun social media. But they're an endangered species.

Schaefer chose Joe as his narrator. It would suggest a coming-of-age tale, but for a good reason. Joe had two role models, which won't be a problem at all. Readers sensed the bittersweet ending, where they never expected what Shane would do. It made Joe hopeful about the future.