MovieChat Forums > Stagecoach (1939) Discussion > Lucy and the lieutenant

Lucy and the lieutenant

posted 19 years ago by jimbo_41
3 replies | jump to latest

Any ideas about the significance of the looks exchanged between Lucy and the Tim Holt character (the lieutenant) when the coach and the cavalry troops part ways? is there some suggestion that he is th efather or is there just the suggestion of sexual interest between the two?
Also, what is the nature of the relationship between the John Carradine character and Lucy- he seems to cut his card game short to join the coach after he catches sight of her. There was the suggestion that he is the father of a character called Judge Renfield- are Lucy and Carradine meant to be related?

[–] misspaddylee 19 years ago

The young lieutenant is pretty proud of himself and was hoping the passengers were as interested in him as he is but, alas, no fond farewell.

Lucy is a reminder of Hatfield's life before the war. A part of his past he wants to preserve and protect. As a gambler he is no longer the gentleman he once was.

Imaginging the back story is a part of the joy of watching this film.

[–] ckfrm 19 years ago

Actually, the "farewell" is designed to show the Lieutenant's concern for the passengers: he smiles and waves as long as Mrs. Mallory is waving at him, BUT the moment she puts her head back in the coach, he's all business, and very worried about the stagecoach going off on its own.

[–] footsperry 19 years ago

The lieutenant is concerned for Lucy's future safety, but he has a job to do, and orders to follow.

The motivation for Hatfield I think you've explained well....