Simply put, it was a Great film!

Brother, you missed the point of the story completely.
These were flawed characters, who still had good in them, seeking redemption.
Next time put your baggage down and just watch the movie, and learn something along the way.

"My Name is John Ford and I Make Westerns". Thank you Hulu.

From it's opening shot of two riders racing across the desert surrounded by magnificent, towering red rocks, STAGECOACH is more than a story of cowboys vs. indians. The director, John Ford, had a tremendous understanding of setting. When the tiny stagecoach works it's way further west, the travelers endure harsh weather, rough terrain, attacks by the Apaches and only sporadic food and rest. These characters all stood for something. There is Dallas, a prostitute forced to leave town by a league of christian women. This group is also responsible for the alcoholic but big-hearted Doc Brown being forced out of town. Then there is the Ringo Kid, portrayed by-who else-John Wayne. The Kid is on his way to avenge the death of his brothers. Although the Kid has been in prison, he is clearly on the side of good. The other passengers are a mysterious gambler, a whiskey peddler, and an embezzling banker. The hilarious Andy Devine is the stagecoach's driver. Ford really understood the psychology of the group: whatever the prevailing sentiment might be, a true individual will take his or her own stand, even if it means going against the wishes of the group. The Ringo Kid can't help but fall for Dallas, even if she is a fallen woman. It is this type of bravery-the willingness to stand alone, to go against the prevailing notion-which might have won the West. Best scene: aboard the coach, when under attack by Apaches, Mrs. Mallory first hears the bugle cry of the cavalry, followed by the rush of the soldiers coming to save the day.....

It's got all the classic bits that make up the term, "classic," if you're speaking in terms of western film. John Ford had me excited when I saw The Plough and the Stars, but this film's ideas have obviously been worked and re-worked far more than that film's commentary on gender/national identity. Oh well, I'll give Ford another spin if more of his stuff shows up on here.

I never realized how bad this movie really was until I watched it after many years. The movie is really bad for switching roles so that decent people are portrayed as villains and hypocrites. In contrast, irresponsible drunks and such are portrayed as virtuous and idealistic people.
To this day, Hollowwood continues its character assassination of decent Middle class Americans, while extolling the "virtues" of people like drug pushers and hit men.
In this movie, costumes and scenery were realistic and entertaining.

Of course, this movie is considered a classic western, but I think it's just a classic movie, period. I've seen the theme of this movie in other great movies like Lifeboat and Bus Stop. So, if you like the classics I think you will love this movie. It's also considered the break out role for John Wayne. I think if you are a Wayne fan you have to see this movie. It's as good as "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". It's interesting to note that John Carradine was in this film, and of course he co-starred in Wayne's last film, "The Shootist". In my book, if you are a classic movie lover or a Wayne fan this movie is a must see....it's also well worth your while to watch this movie if you are just looking for a good movie....enjoy.....