DVD Review: The Last Command (1955)
Kino’s release, on blu ray, of a beautifully restored print of the Republic Pictures western “The Last Command” finally makes available this accurate and impressive retelling of the Alamo. Of course more are aware of the noted John Wayne feature “The Alamo” from 1960. In fact, these films are connected.
Originally, this project began development back in 1948 at Republic as “The Alamo” from a script by John Ford’s son Patrick. In 1950, press releases indicated John Wayne would produce, direct, and star in the film. However, Republic Pictures head Herbert J. Yates wanted it made through his studio, while Wayne wanted to produced for his own production company and just use Republic as a distributor. The two clashed on other matters, including where to shoot the film (Yates said Texas, Wayne insisted on Mexico). It got pretty heated, and ended with Wayne leaving Republic after having done some of his best work for them since 1935. Yates then developed the project with other actors, including Sterling Hayden as Jim Bowie – the role Wayne would have played – and other welcome veterans rounding out the cast, including Ernest Borgnine, J.Carroll Naish, Arthur Hunnicut, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Richard Carlson, Ben Cooper, and Slim Pickens.
“The Last Command” was written by Warren Duff and Allen Rivkin, from a story by Sy Bartlett. Duff had written such classics as “Angels With Dirty Faces” and “Each Dawn I Die,” both featuring James Cagney. Frank Lloyd directs, Max Steiner provides the musical score, and the film is shot in widescreen and Trucolor.
From its opening song, sung by Gordon MacRae, to the exciting showdown at the Alamo, “The Last Command” is an absorbing western drama with a greater respect for historical accuracy than the later Wayne production. This is not to say that the accuracy is perfectly consistent – this is, after all, a Hollywood movie – but while Wayne’s more famous film is greater on spectacle, this smaller production is more taut and cerebral.
“The Last Command” is of greater historical accuracy in its telling of the events that lead up to the uprising that, naturally, concludes the film. Sterling Hayden is a tall and imposing presence in all of his roles, and his Jim Bowie comes off as low-key but effectively intimidating as he assesses the situation and ends up siding with secessionists after some tumultuous encounters (a knife fight between Hayden and Ernest Borgnine is one of the film’s highlights).
Kino’s blu ray of “The Last Command” is a new HD master from a 4K scan of the original 35mm negative. Special features include a fascinating, informative commentary track by Frank Thompson, author of "Alamo Movies" and "The Alamo: A Cultural History.”
It can be ordered at this link: The Last Command.