Released – January, 1942 

Directed By - Raoul Walsh

Starring – Errol Flynn (George Armstrong Custer), Olivia de Havilland (Elizabeth Bacon), Arthur Kennedy (Ned Sharp), Charley Grapewin (California Joe), Anthony Quinn (Crazy Horse).

Description – The life of George Armstrong Custer is told from his early days at West Point, his experiences in the Civil War, and his ultimate fate at Little Big Horn.

Flynn portrays Custer as a dashing, fun-loving figure who prefers honor and glory over money. Corrupt politicians have brought about an Indian war in order to gain their land. With the lives of all white settlers in the area at risk, General Custer and his men make their valient last stand in order to prevent the slaughter.

NOTABLE: This was the last of eight films pairing Errol Flynn with Olivia de Havilland and proved to be one of the highest grossing films of the year.

Usually portrayed as the last to die at Little Big Horn, Custer may have actuall been one of the first killed.

During the battle of the Little Big Horn only 16 of the extras were actually Native Americans; the rest were Fillipino’s.

Personal Comment: Despite historical inaccuracies this is a very enjoyable film due to the huge appeal of Errol Flynn in just about any kind of action adventure lead role. One fact that was accurate was Custer’s sympathy for Native Americans and his dislike of President Grant’s Indian policy

They Died With Their Boots On

The Errol Flynn Signature Collection, Vol. 1 (Captain Blood / The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex / The Sea Hawk / They Died with Their Boots On / Dodge City / The Adventures of Errol Flynn)

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Released – September, 1940 

Directed By - William Wyler

Starring – Gary Cooper (Cole Harden), Walter Brennan (Judge Roy Bean), Doris Davenport (Jane Ellen Mathews), Fred Stone (Caliphet Mathews), Forrest Tucker (Wade Harper).

Description – Accused of stealing a horse, Cole Harden is facing his own hanging.  Luckily, he takes advantage of Judge Roy Bean’s facination with actress Lily Langtry and manages to talk his way out of hanging.

When Harden comes to the aid of some struggling homesteaders he finds himself going against the Judge once again, only this time he might not be so lucky.

NOTABLE: This motion picture won an Oscar for Walter Brennan as Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and was nominated for two more; Best Art Direction, Black and White, and Best Writing, Original Story.

Walter Brennan’s Oscar winning performance is considered one of the best in his long career.

Forrest Tucker made his movie debut in this film.

The Westerner

The Gary Cooper Star Collection (The Westerner / Man of the West / Along Came Jones / Pride of The Yankees)

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