Before experiencing this film featuring a large cast, it’s best to set aside any knowledge you have about the beginning of the American Civil War; that allows for appreciation as an adventure movie in line with Mike Curtiz's vision. Errol Flynn portrays Jeb Stewart and Ronnie Reagan plays George Custer, both graduating from West Point and then tasked with stopping gun-runners and rebels under Raymond Massey’s “John Brown.” He is set on enacting his progressive racial views to liberate all enslaved people across the country, without any discussion of alternatives. A romantic subplot unfolds between Flynn and a rather unconventional Olivia de Havilland ("Kit"), while Van Heflin as "Rader" engages in some deceptive dealings. Alan Hale provides solid support, along with brief appearances from Ward Bond and Charles "Ming" Middleton, but this somewhat disconnected action film primarily revolves around Massey—specifically, his eyes; the gaze of a tyrannical figure whose admirable aims still inspire skepticism about everything he does. He delivers an excellent performance. The story blends historical events and invented elements much like mixing drinks – occasionally it’s successful, other times not – yet it remains a reasonably well-paced story with some moral awareness and a satisfying conclusion that is still worthwhile to see now.

Source on TMDB