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64% Critic Match
Dark Command
“A drama of undying love.”
6.4 / 10• 1940• 1h 34m•NR• English
DramaRomanceWestern
Storyline
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.
Cast & Crew
Claire Trevor
Miss Mary McCloud
Lead
John Wayne
Bob Seton
Walter Pidgeon
William 'Will' Cantrell
Roy Rogers
Fletcher 'Fletch' McCloud
George 'Gabby' Hayes
Andrew 'Doc' Grunch
Porter Hall
Angus McCloud
Marjorie Main
Mrs. Cantrell / Mrs. Adams
Raymond Walburn
Judge Buckner
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Raoul Walsh's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Dark Command is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
