Dark Command / A Lady Takes A Chance (1943)

DARK COMMAND - John Wayne is good guy Bob Seton in Raoul Walsh's star-studded thriller set in the dark days before the Civil War. During this strained period in America's history, emotions run high and tension fills the air, especially during political contests. In the race for Federal Marshall of Kansas, Seton defeats William Cantrell (Walter Pidgeon), causing increased animosity between these two powerful figures. Their mutual ill will peaks when Cantrell steals Seton's girl (Claire Trevor), manipulating her into marriage to get even with Seton. Their rivalry reaches dangerous proportions when Seton exposes Cantrell and his guerrillas who have been raiding both Union and Confederate lines. Roy Rogers co-stars in one of his earliest film roles. A LADY TAKES A CHANCE - Finding men has never been a problem for city girl Molly Trousdale (Jean Arthur) - finding the right man is another matter. And women have never been a problem for cowboy bachelor Duke Hutkins (John Wayne) - until they want to marry him. If it's true that opposites attract, they're obviously made for each other. When Molly sets out from New York on a cross-country bus tour, she just wants to see America. But her plans take an unexpected turn out West, when she collides (literally!) with Duke while he's competing at the rodeo. He assumes she's just another pretty gal who'll fall into his arms, but she's a lady who won't be roped easily by a brawling, rough-and-ready cowboy. Jean Arthur shows the spunk that made her one of the biggest stars of Hollywood's Golden Era, and John Wayne is at his most charming when he falls for her against his better judgment. So get ready for the dust to fly when these two screen legends star in a truly classic romantic comedy, A LADY TAKES A CHANCE!

Lady takes a chance and so should you

It is good to get two good films in a double feature like this. "Dark Command" has long time been a favorite of mine. Ayoung John Wayne play the part of an illiterate cowboy who becomes sheriff in Kansas just before the star of the Civil War. He must match wits with the wily villian played well by Walter Pidgeon. Throw in a cast that includes Claire Trevor, Gabby Hayes and Roy Rogers and you have great fun entertainment. "A Lady Takes a Chance" is more of a romantic comedy. Wayne is the rodeo star and Jean Arthur is the woman who falls for him. Look for Phil Silvers with a fine comedic bit. March 13, 2007

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