It is important to view films in the context of the time period in which they were released, but that does not give an automatic free pass for some of the more insensitive content they contain. Even when the Michael Curtiz (Mystery of the Wax Museum, Romance On The High Seas) historical western Santa Fe Trail was released in 1940, there were elements that already made the film seem out of touch. This pre-Civil War tale positioned famous abolitionist John Brown as an unhinged madman against the heroic forces of figures such as J.E.B. Stuart and George Armstrong Custer. Despite its problematic nature, as a movie it functions as a very entertaining narrative with thrilling action sequences and likable stars. The film marked the seventh collaboration between Errol Flynn (Objective, Burma!) and Olivia de Havilland (The Private Lives Of Elizabeth & Essex), and it was a pretty decent success for Warner Bros. The skill of the filmmaking on display is strong enough to make this one worth watching despite some dubious narrative choices.
Our story begins in 1854 at the West Point Military Academy where anti-slavery sentiments are being spread by cadet Carl Rader (Van Heflin, Johnny Eager), who is working on behalf of John Brown (Raymond Massey, Arsenic and Old Lace). While his classmates are not necessarily against the sentiment – though many believed it would work itself out – the belief that ideology should be kept out of the service leads to a physical altercation and dishonorable discharge for Rader. Brown’s unyielding crusade against slavery in the dangerous Kansas territory is portrayed as reckless rather than heroic. The realities of this have been debated for over a century, but seeing as the film was made as the US was entering into WWII the tone struck for this story was one championing reconciliation over past actions (aka they did not want to alienate southerners). Even when portrayed as someone doing the right thing in the wrong way, Brown proves to be the most captivating character in the story. Massey brings a fearsome intensity to him that draws you into the story further.
Since they did not get mixed up in the West Point brawl, Rader’s classmates Jeb Stuart (Errol Flynn) and George Custer (Ronald Reagan – yes, that one) get assigned to Fort Leavenworth in the Kansas Territory where Brown looms large. Before we get into the tension-filled clashes between these opposing forces, the friends make the acquaintance of Kit Holliday (Olivia de Havilland), the daughter of a man building the railroad to Santa Fe. Both fall in love with the comely young lady, but there is little doubt that Custer is always a step behind Jeb for the young lady’s affections. These types of stories often needed to include a romance to appease a certain segment of the audience, but there is very little to really get you invested on this front. The action is with Brown and the opposing cavalry. So that we do not hate our main characters, there are many mentions about how they are not in favor of slavery, but how they do not approve of violent tactics. Moral lines are clearly drawn.
The reality this movie has set up for itself is executed quite well. There are some impressive altercations that are pulled off very well under the eye of Curtiz. Even a thrilling scene involving a burning barn elicits a visceral response due to some editing choices. While the “villain” of the story is the most interesting performance-wise, Flynn and his partners on the “heroic” side also do a swell job. There is much to admire on a technical and performance level, but where the film stumbles most is the portrayal of the African American characters. John Brown is shown to be doing everything in his power to gain their freedom, but there is little-to-no passion behind them to want to be freed. It is not just that these slaves do not know what to do with their freedom, but some of them even try to downplay how bad it was serving their masters. When one newly-freed woman jokes about not having any use for freedom, you cringe inside. This film was made to make certain audience members feel less guilty about the racist tendencies they harbor inside.
With all of the harmful portrayals this film delivers, why am I saying it is worth your time? Well, if you are completely turned off by what you have read, definitely do not waste a second with this film. It is completely misguided in its politics, but it is not willfully trying to inject toxicity into society. The film was a product of its time, and if you are secure enough in your modern-day perspective on these issues you should not feel guilty if you are curious to check this one out. Michael Curtiz is one of the great filmmakers to come out of classic Hollywood, and the same goes for the talent in front of the camera. Even at nearly two hours in length, the film moves along at a good pace and delivers some good dramatic (historically inaccurate) twists and thrilling action sequences. It is flawed, but worth a look for those who appreciate the artistry of classic Hollywood filmmaking.
Video Quality
Warner Archive presents Santa Fe Trail for the first time on Blu-Ray with 1080p transfer sourced from what is presumably a 4K scan of the original camera negative, but these details were not made available. Warner Archive nearly always delivers top-notch work, and the image is nothing short of breathtaking for a film that is over eighty years old. The presentation has a pleasing amount of depth to it including in the shadows where there is no evidence of any black crush. Print damage is virtually nonexistent to these eyes throughout the duration of the movie. This black and white feature has nice, natural film grain throughout that provides a great amount of detail to the image. It is always amazing to see how much Warner Archive can achieve with their miraculous presentations as I have yet to ever be truly disappointed by them. Fans will love this disc.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray release comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that is as powerful as the source material will allow. There does not appear to be any damage or age related wear to the track. All of the dialogue is delivered in a manner that always comes through crystal clear. As a matter of fact, none of the sound effects or the score from Max Steiner ever overpowers the dialogue on this release. The more kinetic sequences including numerous battles are appropriately lively in the speakers. There are optional English (SDH) subtitles available on the disc for those who need it. Overall, this is a top notch audio presentation that gives the material the life it deserves.
Special Features
- Trailer: The two-minute trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
Santa Fe Trail is a frustrating experience. As a film, there is a lot to admire thanks to the filmmaking on display from Michael Curtiz, the strong performances, the cinematography, the costumes and various other technical elements. When it comes to the story, though, you are left with something at best historically inaccurate, and at worst painfully racist. There have been more problematic offenders than this tale, but certain moments are hard to stomach. Still, if you have an interest in the talent involved, the movie itself is a pretty entertaining time when removed from the larger context. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray featuring an amazing A/V presentation, but not much in the way of special features.
Santa Fe Trail can be purchased directly through the Warner Archive Amazon Store or various other online retailers.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
