Custer's Last Stand (serial) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Custer's Last Stand |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Elmer Clifton |
| Produced by | Louis Weiss |
| Screenplay by | George Arthur Durlam Eddie Granemann William Lively |
| Story by | George Arthur Durlam Eddie Granemann William Lively |
| Starring | Rex Lease Lona Andre William Farnum Ruth Mix Jack Mulhall |
| Music by | Hal Chasnoff |
| Cinematography | Bert Longenecker |
| Editing by | George M. Merrick Holbrook N. Todd |
| Distributed by | Stage & Screen Productions |
| Release date(s) | January 2, 1936 April 3, 1936 (film) |
| Running time | 15 chapters (328 min) 84 min (film) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Custer's Last Stand is an exciting American movie serial from 1936. A "serial" is like a TV show today, but it was shown in movie theaters in many parts, or "chapters." This film tells a fictional story inspired by a real historical event called the Battle of the Little Bighorn. It was directed by Elmer Clifton and stars actors like Rex Lease, William Farnum, and Jack Mulhall. The movie was made by a studio called Stage & Screen Productions.
In April of the same year, all the chapters were edited together into one shorter movie. This single film was about 84 minutes long and had the same name.
Contents
The Story of the Film
The movie serial follows several exciting storylines. It focuses on a special "Medicine Arrow" that was taken during a battle. It also features a secret gold mine. These adventures all happen as the story leads up to the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Who's in the Movie?
The film features many actors who were popular in Western movies. Some even played famous historical figures!
- Rex Lease as Kit Cardigan and his father John C. Cardigan
- Lona Andre as Belle Meade
- William Farnum as James Fitzpatrick
- Ruth Mix as Elizabeth Custer
- Jack Mulhall as Lieutenant Cook
- Nancy Caswell as Barbara Trent
- George Chesebro as Lieutenant Frank Roberts
- Dorothy Gulliver as Red Fawn
- Frank McGlynn Jr. as General George A. Custer
- Helen Gibson as Calamity Jane
- Josef Swickard as Major Henry Trent, MD
- Chief Thundercloud as Young Wolf
- Allen Greer as Wild Bill Hickok
- High Eagle as Crazy Horse
- Howling Wolf as Sitting Bull
How the Movie Was Made
This movie serial included several real historical people in its story. However, the events they were part of in the film were mostly made up. The story moved through many different plots and smaller storylines. All of these eventually led to the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Amazing Stunts
Many talented stunt performers worked on Custer's Last Stand. They made the action scenes exciting and believable.
- Yakima Canutt
- Ken Cooper
- Carl Mathews
- Mabel Strickland (riding double)
- Wally West
When It Was Released
Custer's Last Stand was very popular with fans who loved action movies. People enjoyed it even though some parts were not historically accurate.
Movie Chapters
The serial was released in 15 exciting chapters. Each chapter continued the adventure from the last one.
- Perils of the Plains
- Thundering Hoofs [sic]
- Fires of Vengeance
- The Ghost Dancers
- Trapped
- Human Wolves
- Demons of Disaster
- White Treachery
- Circle of Death
- Flaming Arrow
- Warpath
- Firing Squad
- Red Panthers
- Custer's Last Ride
- The Last Stand
