Review of Santa Fe Trail (1940) by Adam Z — 17 Mar 2009

Curtiz was probably only concerned with putting on an exciting show- which he does- but there are other things here that should be admired. Errol Flynn is a heroic Jeb Stuart, Ronald Reagan fits in comfortably as Custer (there is no indication that he will eventually become the Indian-slaughtering general that he eventually became) and Olivia de Havilland is gorgeous as always, even though her role is pretty thankless.

Some stunning sequences, most notably the raid on Harper's Ferry at the finale, make for good entertainment. But what distinguishes this movie from any other is Raymond Massey's portrayal of John Brown.

Even though the filmmakers clearly make him out to be the antagonist, they do try to humanize him and defend his intentions, even though they condemn his actions. What's still bothering me is the part where the female slave tells Errol Flynn that she doesn't want freedom if John Brown is going to keep killing for it.

To make a black woman say that in a movie seems wrong.