MAN OF CONQUEST
Starring RICHARD DIX

Anyone interested in films about or featuring the Alamo will have this extremely rare film high on their list. I’ve wanted to see it for years and was delighted to discover it among Comet Video’s inventory.

Anytime one waits years to see a film there is always the danger of disappointment but let me assure you, MAN OF CONQUEST does not disappoint—it delivers!

Richard Dix isn’t too well known today. He’s perhaps best remembered as the star of the Academy Award-winning film CIMARRON. Dix was stage trained, he had a terrific acting technique and he is very believable as Sam Houston.

MAN OF CONQUEST is Houston’s story from his failed first marriage, his time living with the Cherokee Indians, his father-son relationship with President Andrew Jackson, right up to and past the battle of San Jacinto, where the famous cry ‘Remember the Alamo!’ was heard.

Despite some ridiculous historical inaccuracies such as Houston arriving on Texas soil just in time to help Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie (plus a few beleaguered others) defend a cabin against an Indian attack, this film is a sweeping epic, replete with stirring montage sequences (including the Alamo siege) and a spectacularly staged clash at San Jacinto.

MAN OF CONQUEST was the most expensive Republic Studios production at that time and it looks it. While it is a prime example of 1930s filmmaking in its style (such as the montages) pace and performances, it nonetheless remains highly watchable. It is extremely entertaining and passionately patriotic, as it was timed to inspire viewers who were conscious of war raging in Europe, prior to America’s participation.

If you enjoy Westerns or historical biographies, and especially if you relish Alamo-related stories, MAN OF CONQUEST is a must-have.

Thanks to Comet Video you can own it today!

Jon Ted Wynne