[7]

Errol Flynn plays General George Custer in this romantic (though not very historically accurate) panache of the accomplished Civil War general who met a celebrated fate at Little Big Horn. Despite the liberties taken in the script, it’s a fun mini-epic of a movie with a lot to offer the Gone with the Wind crowd. Flynn gives one of his better performances here, opposite Olivia deHavilland in their last-ever, and arguably their best, screen pairing. Their farewell scene is all the more emotional for it. Flynn takes her by the shoulders and tells her, “Walking through life with you, ma’am, has been a very gracious thing.” And as he walks out the door (to die) the camera dollies solemnly away from her. It’s a heartbreaking end to one the best romantic duos in Hollywood history. The film is further elevated by terrific supporting turns from the likes of Sydney Greenstreet, Hattie McDaniel, and Charley Grapewin. Bert Glennon’s cinematography and Max Steiner’s score are also stand-outs.