Director George Stevens' legendary rendition of the archetypal Western myth earned six Academy Award nominations, and made Shane one of the timeless classics of American cinema. Based on Jack Schaefer's novel, the story brings Alan Ladd, a drifter and retired gunfighter, to the assistance of a homestead family terrorised by an ageing cattleman and his hired gun. In fighting a last, decisive battle, Shane sees the end of his own way of life. Mysterious, moody and atmospheric, the film is enhanced by the intense performances of its splendid cast and stunning location photography.