Enter now to win a copy of
Cowboys, Creatures, and Classics: The Story of Republic Pictures
One of Republic Pictures’ big budget films, which raised the respectability of the company known for their cliffhanger serials, was Dark Command. Released on April 15, 1940, the film starred Walter Pidgeon, John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Roy Rogers, Marjorie Main, and George “Gabby” Hayes. Set in a time period immediately following the Civil War, the story involves renegade William Cantrell (presumably intended to be a Confederate William Quantrill), the leader of a pillaging band of guerrillas, who continues to launch raids on innocent civilians, looting, burning, and terrorizing in the name of the Confederacy, and the lawman who must stop the mad rebel at all costs. Pidgeon played Cantrell and Wayne played the marshal dedicated to his arrest.
Critics were complimentary of the movie, calling it “stirring” and “poignant.” The May 11, 1940, edition of the Indianapolis Star noted that the “characterization is more interesting than you usually find it, even in the deluxe westerns, with the roles of Cantrell, taken by Walter Pidgeon and his Ma, played by Marjorie Main, particularly striking.”
Roy Rogers’ performance, as well as Gabby Hayes’, was recognized for being strong and unforgettable. Wayne and Claire Trevor were also praised for their work. “Wayne proves again that he is good at the straight acting required in this sort of film,” the Indianapolis Star review continued. “Miss Claire Trevor is attractive and daring as the town’s banker’s daughter. Raoul Walsh has directed the film, particularly the scenes of far-flung action, forcefully.”
Republic Pictures itself received most of the accolades for the film. Hollywood’s biggest little studio had demonstrated in Dark Command that the majors had no corner on the big-budget western market.
