Little Big Horn (1951) | Directed by Charles Marquis Warren

"Little Big Horn" (1951) is an American Western film directed by Charles Marquis Warren, which dramatizes the events leading up to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The movie stars Lloyd Bridges as Captain Phillip Donlin, who leads a small detachment of cavalrymen on a dangerous mission to warn General Custer and his regiment of an impending attack by a large coalition of Native American tribes.

The cast also includes John Ireland as Lieutenant John Haywood, Marie Windsor as Celie Donlin, and Reed Hadley as Sergeant Maj. Peter Grierson, among others. The film explores themes of bravery, duty, and the tragic misunderstandings and conflicts between the U.S. military and Native American tribes.

"Little Big Horn" is notable for its attempt to mix historical events with the storytelling conventions of the Western genre. While it takes liberties with historical accuracy, the film attempts to capture the tension and impending doom faced by the soldiers as they navigate through hostile territory. The performance by Lloyd Bridges, as well as the action sequences and scenic locations, contribute to the film's appeal.

However, like many Westerns of its time, "Little Big Horn" reflects the attitudes and perceptions of the early 1950s, which may not align with contemporary understandings of American history and the experiences of Native American peoples. It remains a product of its era, offering a blend of action, drama, and the Western genre's exploration of American myths and legends.