They Died with Their Boots On
They Died with Their Boots On

They Died with Their Boots On

1941Movie140 minEnglish

The story follows General George Armstrong Custer's adventures from his West Point days to his death. He defies orders during the Civil War, trains the 7th Cavalry, appeases Chief Crazy Horse and later engages in bloody battle with the Sioux nation.

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IMDb6.3/10
Director: Raoul WalshGenres: Biography, Drama, History, War, Western

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the life of General George Armstrong Custer, portraying him as a dashing and heroic figure who rises through the ranks during the Civil War and later faces a tragic end at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. It depicts his passionate romance with his wife, Libby, and his complex relationships with his fellow soldiers and Native American adversaries. The narrative focuses on Custer's unwavering courage and commitment to his duty, culminating in his legendary last stand against overwhelming odds.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'They Died with Their Boots On' was a commercial success, largely due to the star power of Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. Critics at the time praised its spectacle, adventurous spirit, and Flynn's charismatic performance. However, in retrospect, the film has been widely criticized for its heavily romanticized and historically inaccurate portrayal of Custer and the events leading up to the Battle of the Little Bighorn, particularly its depiction of Native Americans.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its epic scope and Errol Flynn's swashbuckling performance.
  • Criticized for its significant historical inaccuracies and biased portrayal of events.
  • Seen as a classic example of Hollywood's Golden Age Westerns, prioritizing entertainment over strict historical fact.

Google audience: Audience reception is mixed, with many appreciating it as a classic Errol Flynn adventure film. However, there is a recurring sentiment among viewers that the film takes significant liberties with historical events and offers a one-sided perspective.

Fun Fact

Despite its historical inaccuracies, the film was a significant box office success for Warner Bros. and is considered one of Errol Flynn's most iconic roles, solidifying his image as a heroic adventurer.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This tale of the rise and fall of the enigmatically charming, if flawed, General George Armstrong Custer has much less to do with American history than it has to do with Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland at the box office; so I think it's...