The Conquerors

In less than an hour and a half, we get: young love, courtship, robbery, shooting, hanging, alcoholism, banking, multi-generation family drama, railroads, tragic accident, childbirth, suicide, the dawn of cinema, the stock market crash -- all supporting a theme of westward expansion and hanging tough when the economy turns rotten, which must have been a comfort to a Depression-weary audience. I'm a sucker for these early-talkie near-epics with loudly American themes (other worthy, less-known titles: "Silver Dollar," "The World Changes"), and this one is handsomely produced, well acted, and blessed with vibrant characterizations, most notably Edna May Oliver, indispensable as always, in one of her best roles. Also, Ann Harding, always so womanly and sympathetic without becoming cloying, like Irene Dunne with more backbone. And Richard Dix, a bit thick around the middle, but ably personifying the era's idea of the solid American male. With William Wellman's virile direction and some eye-filling montages by Slavko Vorkapich, it's handsomely shot, and supported by an obvious but stirring Max Steiner score. The continuity doesn't quite add up -- the horseless carriage appears on a Nebraska street circa 1894, a bit early, and Edna May's character would have to be about 120 by the fadeout. But it's rousing entertainment.

A banker in old Nebraska strives to turn his town into a bastion of civilization & civility. Like THE CONQUERORS of the West before and after him he lets nothing stand in his way.

Here is a prime example of a very fine film which is virtually forgotten today. Unfairly compared to CIMARRON (1931) - with which it shares some of the same themes and performers - THE CONQUERORS is well able to stand on its own merits, among which first-rate production values and very fine acting are not the least. Certain sequences - the keelboat, the hanging of the outlaws, the opening of the new bank, the arrival of the first train - remain in the memory for a long time.

Covering the years 1873 to 1929, we watch the growth of Fort Allen, Nebraska, as seen through the life of banker Roger Standish, most effectively played by Richard Dix. This underrated actor creates a hero worth emulating, one who courageously strives to improve his society and protect his investors through the quiet dignity of his own character. As his wife, he is well-matched by actress Ann Harding, who provides a tower of strength and graciousness through every adversity.

Much of the story's laughter - and heartache - is provided through the wonderful pairing of Edna May Oliver, as the no-nonsense owner of the local hotel, and Guy Kibbee, as her alcoholic doctor husband. These two inimitable character actors effortlessly steal all of their scenes - as they would continue to do time & time again throughout the rest of the decade.

Movie mavens will recognize Elizabeth Patterson as Dix' sympathetic landlady and Robert Greig as the blasé Englishman at Miss Harding's auction sale, both uncredited.

David O. Selznick was the Executive Producer; the rousing music was composed by Max Steiner. Slavko Vorkapich, the Master of the Montage, provided the transitional effects.

Roger and Carolyn Standish head west to give themselves a chance at a future after her father dies. On the way they are robbed and Roger is shot. While recovering from the gunshot wound the town they settle in is robbed. Roger leads the town after the robbers. Then they start a bank. Over the next 50 years they face a series of successes, failures, and successes. In spite of everything that happens to them they never give up.

I think the idea behind this movie is that over time, we will face many ups and downs and that we must keep our faith that there is a future and that it will be better than the past. This film contains many cliches about the building of America. There are several scenes of a hugely growing economy followed by a crash then pessimism then more growth. This was obviously aimed at depression-era audiences to give them hope in the future. And, I think, it was also intended to give a brief overview of what it took to build our country.

No question that it tends to be somewhat melodramatic at times. But it is also uplifting and tells an interesting story and keeps a good pace throughout. Well worth seeing.

The last thirty minutes of this film have a fascinating cinematic depiction of the 1929 stock market crash. Check it out.

Edna May Oliver is a gem. The acting style is super theatrical; so much so that it's almost post modern, actors commenting on acting on stage. It would be interesting to remake this picture now with a film within a film screenplay, the actors of that period moving in and out of character.

Take a look with your nostalgic eyeballs in your head and you'll enjoy this old RKO picture.

When you consider that the film was made in 1932 it is certainly impressive, especially with the intermittent montages to show the passage of time.

I'm a big fan of Ann Harding and this is one of her best films ("It Happened on 5th Ave" and "Magnificent Yankee" are my favorites). And you can never go wrong with Edna May Oliver and Guy Kibbee, although perhaps they lay it on a little strong in this one.

I've never been a fan of Richard Dix. I thought he was wooden. But in this film he ages 60 years and the elder Dix does a fine job. FWIW he has a few scenes with himself as a young man, and he appears to be mocking his own acting there as the young man. So I gained a new appreciation for him as an actor.

Another reason to watch the film is the director, Wild Bill Wellman, known for films like "Wings" (1927), "Public Enemy" (1931), "A Star is Born" (1937), "The Ox Bow Incident" (1943), "The Story of GI Joe" (1945), and "The High and the Mighty" (1954) among many others.

Seen in the context of 1932, with Herbert Hoover in the White House, the economy still slipping, banks continuing to fail, etc. this is one brave film.