Questions arise when Senator Stoddard (James Stewart) attends the funeral of a local man named Tom Doniphon (John Wayne) in a small Western town. Flashing back, we learn Doniphon saved Stoddard, then a lawyer, when he was roughed up by a crew of outlaws terrorizing the town, led by Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin). As the territory's safety hung in the balance, Doniphon and Stoddard, two of the only people standing up to him, proved to be very important, but different, foes to Valance.
John Wayne
as Tom Doniphon
James Stewart
as Ransom Stoddard
Vera Miles
as Hallie Stoddard
Lee Marvin
as Liberty Valance
Edmond O'Brien
as Dutton Peabody
Andy Devine
as Marshal Link Appleyard
Ken Murray
as Doc Willoughby
John Carradine
as Maj. Cassius Starbuckle
Jeanette Nolan
as Nora Ericson
John Qualen
as Peter Ericson
Willis Bouchey
as Jason Tully - Conductor
Carleton Young
as Maxwell Scott