Dark Command (1940)

Story

When transplanted Texan Bob Seton arrives in Lawrence, Kansas he finds much to like about the place, especially Mary McCloud, daughter of the local banker. Politics is in the air however. It's just prior to the civil war and there is already a sharp division in the Territory as to whether it will remain slave-free. When he gets the opportunity to run for marshal, Seton finds himself running against the respected local schoolteacher, William Cantrell. Not is what it seems however. While acting as the upstanding citizen in public, Cantrell is dangerously ambitious and is prepared to do anything to make his mark, and his fortune, on the Territory. When he loses the race for marshal, he forms a group of raiders who run guns into the territory and rob and terrorize settlers throughout the territory. Eventually donning Confederate uniforms, it is left to Seton and the good citizens of Lawrence to face Cantrell and his raiders in one final clash.

Synopsis from TMDB.

Trailer

Dark Command · plays from YouTube

Cast

• Claire Trevor Miss Mary McCloud
• John Wayne Bob Seton
• Walter Pidgeon William 'Will' Cantrell
• Roy Rogers Fletcher 'Fletch' McCloud
• George 'Gabby' Hayes Andrew 'Doc' Grunch
• Porter Hall Angus McCloud
• Marjorie Main Mrs. Cantrell / Mrs. Adams
• Raymond Walburn Judge Buckner
• Joe Sawyer Bushropp
• Helen MacKellar Mrs. Hale
• J. Farrell MacDonald Dave
• Trevor Bardette Mr. Hale
• Ernie Adams Townsman
• Richard Alexander Phil - Guerrilla Guarding Seton
• E Earl Askam Guerrilla
• Hank Bell Townsman
• Ray Bennett Guerrilla
• Stanley Blystone Tough