Dark Command backdrop
DRAMA . 1940 . 1h 34m . 6.3/10

Dark Command_

"A drama of undying love."

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.

Starring Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Walter Pidgeon
6.3/10
Rating
1h 34m
Runtime
1940
Year
Updated Feb 16, 2026
Dark Command poster
A drama of undying love.

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.

WHERE TO WATCH

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Cast
Claire Trevor stars as Miss Mary McCloud in Dark Command.
Claire Trevor →
Year context
Dark Command was released 86 years ago in 1940.
Overview
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. P...
Dark Command is a Drama, Romance, Western film with a runtime of 1h 34m.

DETAILS

Release
Status
Released
Runtime
94 min (1h 34m)
Country
Rating
6.3/10 (57 votes)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Dark Command about?
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.
How long is Dark Command?
Dark Command has a runtime of 94 minutes (1h 34m).
Who stars in Dark Command?
The cast of Dark Command includes Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Walter Pidgeon, Roy Rogers, George 'Gabby' Hayes.
What is the rating of Dark Command?
Dark Command has a rating of 6.3 out of 10 based on 57 votes on TMDB.

GENRES (3)

Drama Romance Western
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