SAGA OF BRAVE MEN

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32305, 27 August 1943, Page 5

SAGA OF BRAVE MEN

GALLANT ADVENTURE PROGRAMME AT REGENT “DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON” “They Died With Their Boots On,” the new Warner Bros, picture, which will show at the Regent Theatre on Saturday and Monday with Erroi Flynn and Olivia de Havilland in the co-starring roles, brings to life on the screen one of the most stirring chapters in the history of the old American West. But even more thah that, it tells for the first time on the screen, the true story of the man who made the phrase: “Custer’s Last Stand” a ■synonym of deathless courage. Gallant and adventurous, General George Custer won himself an eternal place in the history of his country 'tvhen he and his army regiment perished to 'a man in the battle of Little Big, Horn. They knew as they rode forth into battle that certain death awaited them, but they also knew that they would be holding off the enemy until reinforcements could be brought up. It is this courageous but hopeless battle which makes the climax of “They Died With Their Boots On” as turbulently exciting as anything the screen has ever done.

Flynn is cast perfectly as Custer, and he has done a magnificent job of bringing the historical character to life as a very real kind of person, building up the man Custer in such a way that his magnificent act of heroism at the close of the story becomes perfectly logical and believable. As his sweetheart and later his wife, Olivia de Havilland scores one of the notable hits of a lustrous career. In her capable hands, Beth Custer emerges as a fine and courageous woman.

A truly fine supporting cast includes Gene Lockhart, as Beth’s father; Arthur Kennedy, Charley Grapewin, Stanley Ridges, Sydney Greenstreet and Walter Hampden.

Raoul Walsh has directed “They Died With Their Boots On” with epic sweep. The battle scenes are so realistically portrayed that you can almost taste the acrid dust kicked up by the cavalcades' of soldiers and Indians. But he has not for one minute lost sight of the great human interest story. FINALLY TO-NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE “ Trail Of' The Vigilantes,” and . “Lucky Devils,” will show finally tonight at the Regent Theatre.