The phrase “how the West was won” most commonly refers to the 1962 epic Western film that presents a sweeping, multi-generational panorama of the American Westward expansion, directed by a trio of filmmakers (Henry Hathaway, John Ford, and George Marshall) and featuring a star-studded cast including James Stewart and John Wayne. If you’re asking for a concise overview or specific details, I can tailor the info to your exact interest (plot, production, reception, or its legacy). What you might want to know

• Overview: How the West Was Won (1962) is an ambitious, episodic drama tracing the Prescott family’s journey across the American frontier—from the early 19th century through the Civil War and into the era of railroad expansion—through multiple connected vignettes.
• Structure and style: The film is notable for its use of the then-novel Cinerama process, producing a wide, immersive widescreen experience that stitched together several chapters directed by three different filmmakers.
• Cast highlights: It features iconic Western stars such as James Stewart, John Wayne, and Carroll Baker, among others, with a narrative that connects their characters across generations and events.
• Reception and legacy: The film is often cited for its technical ambition and its panoramic storytelling of national expansion, though opinions vary on pacing given its sprawling scope. It remains a landmark in the Western genre for its scale and production innovations.

If you’d like, specify the angle:

• Plot recap in a few sentences or chapter-by-chapter outline
• Key performances and how different actors contribute to the saga
• Production history, including the use of Cinerama and collaboration among directors
• Critical reception at release and its influence on later epic Westerns
• Availability (where to watch) or notable home-media releases

Tell me which aspect you want, and I’ll tailor a clear, focused answer.