SAN ANTONIO

(director: David Butler; screenwriters: Alan Le May, W.R. Burnett; cinematographer: Bert Glennon; editor: Irene Morra; music: Max Steiner, M.K. Jerome, Ray Heindorf; cast: Errol Flynn (Clay Hardin), Alexis Smith (Jeanne Starr), S.Z. Sakall (Sacha Bozic), Victor Francen (Legare), Florence Bates (Henrietta), John Litel (Charlie Bell), Paul Kelly (Roy Stuart), Tom Tyler (Lafe McWilliams ), Monte Blue (Cleve Andrews); Runtime: 111; MPAA Rating: NR; producer: Robert Buckner; Warner Bros. Pictures; 1945)

“Neither can the exciting gun-duel climax, the presence of the great Errol Flynn or some directing help from Raoul Walsh save this misfire.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

This formulaic Errol Flynn western entertains high production values, great photography by cinematographer Bert Glennon, a rousing musical score by Max Steiner and the handsome figure of the well-garbed Flynn. But the direction by David Butler (“Glory”/”Jump into Hell”) is underwhelming and the script by Alan Le May and W.R. Burnett is filled with cliches. Though the film is a bummer, the final gun-duel at the deserted Alamo is spot on. But neither can the exciting gun-duel climax, the presence of the great Errol Flynn or some directing help from Raoul Walsh save this misfire.

Flynn plays the wandering cowboy who tussles with crooked saloon keeper Legare (Victor Francen as they compete to romance the dance hall singer Jeanne Starr (Alexis Smith). In the backdrop, the ranchers deal with rustlers.
 


REVIEWED ON 8/5/2023  GRADE: B-