SANTA FE TRAIL

Cinemavixion Review

Michael Curtiz's "Santa Fe Trail" (1940) is a sweeping American Western that delves into the tumultuous period preceding the Civil War. Starring the iconic duo Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, alongside Raymond Massey and Ronald Reagan, the film chronicles the early exploits of Jeb Stuart. It explores his burgeoning romance with Kit Carson Holliday, his camaraderie with George Armstrong Custer, and his ideological clashes with the fervent abolitionist John Brown. This collaboration marked the seventh pairing of Flynn and de Havilland, a testament to their undeniable on-screen chemistry. The film was a commercial success, ranking among the year's highest-grossing pictures. While its historical narrative is sometimes overshadowed by its star power, "Santa Fe Trail" remains a significant entry in the Western genre, offering a glimpse into a pivotal era of American history through the lens of adventure and romance. The outdoor sequences, filmed in the scenic Lasky Movie Ranch, add a layer of authenticity, and those interested in film history can even visit the preserved locations today.