They Died With Their Boots On (1941)

They Died with Their Boots On

By cd  Oct 13, 2006

Pros: The last pairing of Flynn and de Havilland

Cons: It's a fairy tale

This is not a biography of Custer. It is a fairy tale, a piece of fiction. If you are looking for a documentary, find something else. HOWEVER, if you love classic films from Hollywood's golden age, rent this movie. There are a lot of action sce...nes with Warner Brothers stock actors and they all do a fine job. There is something very comforting about seeing these actors in movie after movie. Director Raoul Walsh did a fine job directing, particularly the scene at the end when Custer and his men are coming over the hill in the early morning. The clouds and the early morning shot was right--it looks like a painting. Max Steiner wrote the music and included Garryowen (a song from the Civil war) and a haunting theme for Custer and his wife Libby. But it's Flynn and deHavilland that make the movie. Their last scene together was the last time they would ever work together. Flynn and deH had unrequited love for each other in real life, so it adds to the emotion, in my opinion and this scene is one of the best they had together. Also, watch for a young Anthony Quinn as Crazy Horse. I have had the privilege of watching Captain Blood (their first movie), The Adventures of Robin Hood (their best movie) and this their final pairing. If you can do so, watch the movies in that order and get out your tissue. Again, this is a fairy tale; if you can put aside the many historical inaccuracies and enjoy a palpable love story, you will love this film. Read more Less