They Died With Their Boots On Review

They Died With Their Boots On (1941)

“Where is the regiment riding?” Sharp
“To hell; or to glory; it depends upon your point of view.” Custer

They Died With Their Boots On, the story of General Custer, has all the hallmarks of greatness so lacking in many Hollywood productions. Action is the focus in this movie released just at America’s entry in WWII. Custer was thought to be just the tonic to stir American fighting spirit.

I am well aware of Hollywood's tendency to play fast and loose with the facts and call it history and this movie is no exception. Hollywood calls it artistic license and it's done all the time. In their defense, I think it is often necessary to use artistic license to make a tellable story.

Still, historical inaccuracies aside, the purpose of a movie to me, is first and foremost, to be entertaining. Therefore, I won't dwell on what may or may not have happened or who did or did not do what! Rather, I will ask myself, "was I entertained?" The answer is: yes, absolutely!

Errol Flynn embodies George Armstrong Custer. He plays Custer with all the derring do of Robin Hood, or any other great national hero, whatever the country. He appears magnificent in uniform and mounted on his prancing stallion. And his men worship him and will follow him into the jaws of hell itself.

The film is lovingly crafted, by Director Raoul Walsh. The script, the cast, the cinematography, the editing, and the score all combine to make a film beyond the norm.

The characters walk and breathe, brought to life by fine veteran actors so well chosen for their roles, like Sydney Greenstreet, Charley Grapewin, Stanley Ridges, and Olivia DeHavilland. Who can forget the indelible characters they drew like Queens Own Butler? Or California Joe? Or General Winfield Scott? Or the despicable character, Sharp, played so well by Arthur Kennedy? Anthony Quinn as Crazy Horse was another inspired casting decision.

One thing Hollywood does right every once in a while is to produce a wonderful film, solely for entertainment. And this is exactly what They Died With Their Boots On is; Pure escapist entertainment. Just as the British have their legendary hero, Robin Hood, we Americans have our hero, General Custer! And both happen to be played by none other than Errol Flynn, my pick for the finest swashbuckler in Hollywood history!

With all this emphasis today on CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), it’s nice to watch a flick with real live actors doing the amazing stunts.

The Warner Bros DVD is presented in 4X3 theatrical format, in Black and White, and lasting 140 minutes. Highly recommended!