Virginia City
Virginia City

Virginia City

1940Movie121 minEnglish

Union officer Kerry Bradford escapes from a Confederate prison and races to intercept $5 million in gold destined for Confederate coffers. A Confederate sympathizer and a Mexican bandit, each with their own stake in the loot, stand in his way.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Michael CurtizGenres: Western, Adventure, Drama

Plot Summary

In 1864, during the American Civil War, Confederate Captain Vance Irvin is sent to Virginia City, Nevada, to purchase horses for the Confederacy and secure gold shipments to aid their cause. He clashes with Union Major Jefferson "Jeff" Carter, who is also in town to intercept the gold. Their rivalry escalates as both men find themselves drawn to Lucy Mallory, a widowed Southern belle unaware of Irvin's true mission. The film follows their pursuit of the gold through treacherous landscapes and tense confrontations.

Critical Reception

Virginia City was generally well-received by critics and audiences upon its release, praised for its action-packed narrative, star power, and classic Western themes. It was seen as a solid entry in the genre, benefiting from the popular pairing of Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, and the directorial hand of Michael Curtiz.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its fast-paced action and exciting set pieces.
  • Appreciated for the charisma and on-screen chemistry of its lead actors.
  • Considered a well-crafted, if somewhat conventional, studio Western.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's classic Western appeal and the performances of Flynn and Scott. Some viewers find the plot engaging, while others note it as a typical example of Hollywood's output during that era.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in the scenic San Fernando Valley, California, showcasing typical Western landscapes that became synonymous with the genre.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is quite an action packed civil wartime drama with Errol Flynn on good form as escaped Yankee officer "Bradford", sent behind enemy lines to thwart a Confederate plan to smuggle $5 million in gold bullion to help the cash-strapped Sout...
John Chard

John Chard

Oh, I'm an expert at that now. Treating friends like strangers and enemies like friends. Virginia City is directed by Michael Curtiz and written by Robert Buckner. It stars Errol Flynn, Randolph Scott, Miriam Hopkins, Humphrey Bogart, Al...