1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

Hatfield have their Old South theme.

Back inside the coach, sad music accompanies Mallory's second rejection of Dallas, this time when she declines an offer of warmth. The Old South theme plays while Hatfield pours water for Mallory, and tense music accompanies the windy and awkward ensuing scene. At the next stop, music punctuates the drama of Mallory's birth and the subdued song of the Mexican's wife eerily precludes the horse thievery. The love song blares during Ringo and Dallas' night chat and kitchen scene the next morning, reinforcing the growing emotions between the two characters. At the sight of Apache smoke signals, the first hints of the war march re-emerge, and after a few minutes of anxious tones mixed with the riding theme, we hear the war march at full power when the Apaches attack the coach. While the battle rages between coach and attackers on horseback, a fast-paced sonic fight also transpires.

The end of the fight is signaled by a complex and genius fusion of visual and sound. Hatfield rotates the chamber containing his last bullet; the Old South theme plays momentarily, then an entirely new segment of music erupts as his face shifts to a distressing look. The gun is held level to Mallory's head and the music leads us to believe she is about to be shot. We do hear a shot, but instead of Mallory dying, the gun drops and we hear a bugle blaring in the distance. The cavalry arrives, Hatfield chokes out a few dying words, and the excitement is over for the moment. Hushed piano plays cheerfully in the background when Mallory finally shows acceptance and appreciation for Dallas The piano continues throughout the sequence in Lordsburg - the first time we haven't been treated to silence in a "rest area" (setting other than the ever-moving stagecoach). This symbolizes something different about the setting - it is a place where people are welcome, generally safe, and thriving. All the other stops were places in turmoil, areas that needed to be abandoned as soon as possible. In Lordsburg, between Ringo and Dallas' love song accompanied scenes, sudden silence sets a tone of danger as Luke Plummer grabs his shotgun and the shootout unfolds.

Of course the movie ends with the unforgettable four note basis for the riding theme.

Learn more about this author, Webster Wade.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Movie analysis: Leitmotiv and its use in the music for Stagecoach?
We want to hear your view. Write now!