I have visited the Little Bighorn Battlefield about half-a- dozen times and have read many of the books regarding this epic confrontation. Unfortunately I have also seen some of the Hollywood movies that, supposedly, depict the Last Stand either as part of a much larger story or intending to depict the fight as its entire plot. After seeing a few of these movies I have tended to avoid other attempts since none of those that I saw come close to telling the full story, as I understand it. So, after reading several positive reviews of "Son of the Morning Star", I decided to chance it! I'm so glad that I did! OK, it's not perfect but it is infinitely better than any other offering. Parts of it, I think, would be rather confusing if you didn't have reasonable knowledge of Custer's life between the civil war and his final battle. For example the fate of Major Elliot's detachment, at the Battle of Washita, was glossed over; yet this event created a deep resentment within the ranks of the 7th Cavalry which may have had a bearing on events at the Little BigHorn. It's difficult to know how much of the Washington background to include, much of it is essential to understanding Custer's behavior in the build-up to that Sunday in Montana. As another reviewer has stated, it would be great if Hollywood were to produce a movie which actually stuck to the facts, as opposed to a two part mini-series. If this were to happen then maybe all copies of that fiasco called "Custer of the West" could be incinerated! The Battle on The Little Bighorn is an important fight. The defeat of the 7th is the least of it! It also marks the start of the downfall of the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. The army was not about to sit back and let the Indians get away with that victory! As such the Battle deserves a realistic attempt to portray it on the big screen. I thoroughly recommend it!
Review of Son of the Morning Star
