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Poster for Dark Command

Dark Command

Seen it?

1940 | 94 min | Drama, Romance, Western

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved Rio Bravo or True Grit, start here.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 34 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1940: an older pace and style.

When transplanted Texan Bob Seton arrives in Lawrence, Kansas he finds much to like about the place, especially Mary McCloud, daughter of the local banker. Politics is in the air however. It's just prior to the civil war and there is already a sharp division in the Territory as to whether it will remain slave-free. When he gets the opportunity to run for marshal, Seton finds himself running against the respected local schoolteacher, William Cantrell. Not is what it seems however. While acting as the upstanding citizen in public, Cantrell is dangerously ambitious and is prepared to do anything to make his mark, and his fortune, on the Territory. When he loses the race for marshal, he forms a group of raiders who run guns into the territory and rob and terrorize settlers throughout the territory. Eventually donning Confederate uniforms, it is left to Seton and the good citizens of Lawrence to face Cantrell and his raiders in one final clash.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 2 Oscars.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 13K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Raoul Walsh

  • Claire TrevorMiss Mary McCloud
  • John WayneBob Seton
  • Walter PidgeonWilliam 'Will' Cantrell
  • Roy RogersFletcher 'Fletch' McCloud
  • George 'Gabby' HayesAndrew 'Doc' Grunch
  • Porter HallAngus McCloud
  • Marjorie MainMrs. Cantrell / Mrs. Adams
  • Raymond WalburnJudge Buckner
  • Joe SawyerBushropp
  • Helen MacKellarMrs. Hale