Wuchak RELEASED TO TV IN EARLY 1991 and directed by Mike Robe, "Son of the Morning Star" chronicles the story of George Armstrong Custer (Gary Cole) after the Civil War and to his death at Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. The story is narrated from the different perspectives of two women: Custer's wife (Rosanna Arquette) and a Cheyenne woman, Kate Bighead (Buffy Sainte-Marie/ Kimberly Guerrero). This was originally shown in two parts on TV 2.5 months after the theatrical release of 1990's "Dances with Wolves." Kevin Costner, the star of "Dances," was even the first choice to play Custer, but he opted for the superior project. Speaking of "Dances with Wolves," "Son of the Morning Star" is very similar in tone, as well as other realistic Westerns of the general era, like "Conagher" (1991). But, despite the gushing of fans, it ain't no "Dances with Wolves." It's just nowhere near as absorbing; and is more akin to semi-tedious history lessons like "Gettysburg" (1993) and "Geronimo: An American Legend" (1993). If the creators would've cut out at least an hour of material it would've made for a more compelling watch, but they HAD to fill out two 2 hour spots (with commercials) to make it a 2-part "mini-series."Still, it's a fairly interesting history lesson and superior to absurd Westerns that tackle the same subject, like "Custer of the West" (1967). Everything leads up to the Battle of Little Bighorn in the last quarter of the movie and it's worth the wait. At a certain point you can see on Custer's face the horror that there were just too many fired-up Indians and he & his men weren't going to make it out alive. It's as if he was thinking: "What the **** did I get us into?" The humbled man was 36 years-old. THE MOVIE RUNS 3 hours 7 minutes and was shot on private property near the Little Bighorn National Monument in Montana close to Billings, where a fort was built for $200,000, and South Dakota at Buffalo Gap and Badlands National Park. ADDITIONAL MAIN CHARACTERS: Crazy Horse (Rodney A. Grant), Capt. Benteen (David Strathairn), Ulysses S. Grant (Stanley Anderson), Gen. Sherman (George Dickerson) and Gen. Philip Sheridan (Dean Stockwell). WRITERS: Evan S. Connell (book) and Melissa Mathison (teleplay). GRADE: B-/C+

mksnyder Great acting, well directed and edited,accurate in the history...would recommend this unreservedly. The American government's crimes against the indigenous people are pretty well-known by now, and they are not unmentioned in this story. However,the attention is mostly on Custer's personality--his narcissism and ambition. He was, after all, a very interesting American type: convinced that he will succeed simply because he has the will. He was dashing and romantic and daring and completely foolhardy---all well-known and appreciated (or unappreciated) at the time. Gary Cole does a great job conveying the complexities of the man. Rosanna Arquette is instrumental in conveying his humanity. The story is Shakespearean tragedy at its best, and this production does full justice to that quality.

rick_c I enjoyed this movie. It seemed to provide a fairly accurate illustration of the history of this event. They seemed to be trying to produce something with substance. But, I did not think the casting was even remotely correct for this story. Gary Cole may be excellent at his trade, but he does not have a battle hardened look in this movie and gives the impression of not being used to violence. This is just the look in his eyes, his mannerisms and speaking voice. David Strathairn may also be an excellent actor, but does not have the look of someone who rode through a war and had become battle hardened, as his character Capt. William F. Benteen appeared. He gives an almost intimidated appearance throughout the movie. The real Benteen had a childlike appearance, but looked as ruthless as a snake. Major Marcus Reno was portrayed by Michael Medeiros, who has done fine work for years. In this movie he has a permanently fixed expression of terror and bewilderment throughout the entire film. These characters were all men who had seen death, were used to violence and were ready for battle, but in the movie they all look like pampered business men facing a task they are not qualified to perform. Although I liked the film, I would enjoy a story of this nature, which would have a cast of people whose "vibes" were more in line with the story. That being said, it is an enjoyable film and presents a fairly accurate representation of what history tells us actually happened.

tkensil Everyone seems to have an opinion on this subject, but the fact is that none of us were there when it happened. Many of us think we know the truth more than others because we are historians, teachers or history buffs. We can research it to death as I have throughout my life and read all the books. (see "Where Custer Fell" by James S. Brust). But we can't go back in time to 1876 and watch it unfold before our eyes and see what really transpired. So if you think Custer was a hero or idiot or goat during the LBH battle...well no one knows for sure. Reno and Benteen did not know what wrong either and they WERE there.One story said that the Last Stand battle itself took about as much time as it takes for someone to eat lunch."Son of the Morning Star" is the best movie version yet of the battle. At least it looks like the Greasy Grass plains of Montana and not in the desert area of Monument Valley!!! Custer was not fighting southwest Indians like the Apaches either (see earlier film versions) So at least this film attempts to be accurate in some ways.Is Oliver Stone going to make his version or is that a tossed script?Where is the DVD?!!!!!! My VCR broke and I don't plan on replacing it. This movie I can watch numerous times, so again, WHERE IS THE DVD???!!!!