Dark Command (1940): movie guide

What is Dark Command about?

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 highlights

Dark Command features Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Walter Pidgeon, Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Porter Hall. Open the Cinema Box title page for the full cast list and character credits.

Key facts

Release date: 1940-04-15. Runtime: 94 minutes. TMDB score: 6.4/10 (64 votes). Genres: Drama, Romance, Western. Original language: en. Status: Released.

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Frequently asked questions

What genre is Dark Command?

Dark Command is listed as Drama, Romance, Western on TMDB.

How long is Dark Command?

Dark Command runs about 94 minutes.

Who stars in Dark Command?

Cast highlights include Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Walter Pidgeon, Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Porter Hall.