The Conquerors (1932)

A newlywed couple journeys west to make their fortune, and begins a banking empire.

Director:

William A. Wellman

Writers:

Robert Lord (screen play), Howard Estabrook (from a story by)

Stars:

Richard Dix, Ann Harding, Edna May Oliver

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Richard Dix	...	Roger Standish / Roger Lennox
Ann Harding	...	Caroline Ogden Standish
Edna May Oliver	...	Matilda Blake
Guy Kibbee	...	Dr. Daniel Blake
Julie Haydon	...	Frances Standish Lennox
Donald Cook	...	Warren Lennox
Walter Walker	...	Thomas B. Ogden
Wally Albright	...	Roger Standish - One of the Twins
Marilyn Knowlden	...	Frances Standish - One of the Twins
Harry Holman	...	Stubby
Jason Robards Sr.	...	Lane (as Jason Robards)
E.H. Calvert	...	Doctor

Storyline

A newlywed couple journeys west to make their fortune, and begins a banking empire.

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Plot Keywords:

family relationships | reference to the wright brothers | world war one | wedding | war hero | 

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Taglines:

Out of the Smoke of its Chimneys,Out of the Sweat of its Fields, Out of the Faith of its People The Unconquerable Soul of America Marches On! (Print Ad- Decorah Public Opinion,((Decorah, Iowa)) 1 December 1932)

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Genres:

Drama | Western

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 November 1932 (USA)

Also Known As:

Pioneer Builders

Filming Locations:

Cooperstown, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Photophone System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher had a major supporting role which wound up largely deleted before the film's release. He does appear, albeit uncredited, in the final film.

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Goofs

The film opens in 1873 with Ann Harding singing the 1883 song "Long, Long Ago."

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Connections

Features Four Heads Are Better Than One (1898)

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Soundtracks

When Johnny Comes Marching Home
(1863) (uncredited)
Music by Louis Lambert
Played by the band at Fort Allen

User Reviews

Long, Long Ago

A banker in old Nebraska strives to turn his town into a bastion of civilization & civility. Like THE CONQUERORS of the West before and after him he lets nothing stand in his way.

Here is a prime example of a very fine film which is virtually forgotten today. Unfairly compared to CIMARRON (1931) - with which it shares some of the same themes and performers - THE CONQUERORS is well able to stand on its own merits, among which first-rate production values and very fine acting are not the least. Certain sequences - the keelboat, the hanging of the outlaws, the opening of the new bank, the arrival of the first train - remain in the memory for a long time.

Covering the years 1873 to 1929, we watch the growth of Fort Allen, Nebraska, as seen through the life of banker Roger Standish, most effectively played by Richard Dix. This underrated actor creates a hero worth emulating, one who courageously strives to improve his society and protect his investors through the quiet dignity of his own character. As his wife, he is well-matched by actress Ann Harding, who provides a tower of strength and graciousness through every adversity.

Much of the story's laughter - and heartache - is provided through the wonderful pairing of Edna May Oliver, as the no-nonsense owner of the local hotel, and Guy Kibbee, as her alcoholic doctor husband. These two inimitable character actors effortlessly steal all of their scenes - as they would continue to do time & time again throughout the rest of the decade.

Movie mavens will recognize Elizabeth Patterson as Dix' sympathetic landlady and Robert Greig as the blasé Englishman at Miss Harding's auction sale, both uncredited.

David O. Selznick was the Executive Producer; the rousing music was composed by Max Steiner. Slavko Vorkapich, the Master of the Montage, provided the transitional effects.