7th Cavalry is a 1956 American Technicolor Western film directed by
Joseph H. Lewis based on a story, "A Horse for Mrs. Custer," by Glendon Swarthout
set after the Battle of the Little Big Horn.
Filmed in Mexico, the picture stars Randolph Scott and Barbara Hale.
Besides Randolph Scott,
look out for other Duke 'Pals'
Jay C. Flippen, Harry Carey Jr.
Leo Gordon, Denver Pyle, Russell Hicks
User Review
It plays a bit fast and loose with history, but it is entertaining.
26 January 2014 | by planktonrules (Bradenton, Florida)
Quote from planktonDisplay MoreThe film is not based 100% on real history--which is VERY typical of most westerns. Benson and his mission is entirely fictional. However, one thing that isn't is that some officers, rightfully, questioned the competence of General Custer. He was, according to most historians, an incompetent who made many serious blunders due to his own hubris. So, when the soldiers openly question his decisions that led to the battle, that is pretty much fact--despite Benson defending his commander's decisions."7th Cavalry" picks up just after General Custer and his command is wiped out at the Battle of Little Big Horn.
Captain Benson (Randolph Scott) was away on personal leave, so he somehow missed out on the massacre. However, folks are looking for a scapegoat and folks second-guess Benson and brand him a coward. Not wanting to live with disgrace, he volunteers to do an insanely difficult duty--to go into Indian territory and bury the Cavalry's dead. Oddly, instead of taking competent soldiers, he takes the scum of the regiment--guys who DID survive due to their own cowardice. Can these guys somehow redeem themselves?
So is it any good? Well, I gave the film an 8. This is mostly because they acting is very nice and compared to other films of the genre from this age, it stands well above most due to very nice acting and an interesting what if scenario.