With its sweeping landscapes, brilliant sunshine, and violent storms, Shane is an intelligent, compelling story and a true visual treat (with Oscar-winning cinematography by Loyal Griggs). Alan Ladd plays a mysterious drifter who rides into a tiny homesteading community and accepts the hospitality of a farming family. Patriarch Joe Starrett needs him to face down the local bad guy and his hired gun (Jack Palance), while Joey, Joe’s son, flat-out idolizes him. Ultimately, of course, it’s time for Shane to move on—and an entire generation grew up unable to forget the image of him riding off, followed by young Joey’s cries of “Shane! Come back!”