The Last Command (1955): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1955, The Last Command is a drama, war, history and western film directed by Frank Lloyd, running about 110 minutes. “THE BUGLE SOUNDS... No Mercy! No Quarter! for the brave women and 180 gallant men!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. During the Texas War of Independence of 1836 American frontiersman and pioneer Jim Bowie pleads for caution with the rebellious Texicans. They don't heed his advice since he's a Mexican citizen, married to the daughter of the Mexican vice-governor of the province and a friend to General Santa Anna since the days they had fought together for Mexico's independence. After serving as president for 22 years, Santa Anna has become too powerful and arrogant. He rules Mexico with an iron fist and he would not allow Texas to self-govern. Bowie sides with the Texans in their bid for independence and urges a cautious strategy, given Santa Anna's power and cunning. Despite the disagreement between the Texicans and Bowie regarding the right strategy they ask Bowie to lead them in a last-ditch stand, at Alamo, against General Santa Anna's numerically superior forces.

Who’s in it. The Last Command stars Sterling Hayden as Jim Bowie, Anna Maria Alberghetti as Consuelo de Quesada, Richard Carlson as William B. Travis and Arthur Hunnicutt as Davy Crockett, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, The Last Command has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Last Command page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Last Command tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.