Movie Review – Rough Riders (1997)
Originally aired as a mini-series on TNT back in 1997, Rough Riders tells the tale of Theodore Roosevelt and his creation of the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry regiment, also known as the Rough Riders.
Rough Riders takes place in 1898 during the Spanish-American War.
Taking place over thirty years after the bloody American Civil War, the United States is once again in another armed conflict. After the mysterious sinking of the U.S. battleship USS Maine (“Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!“) in Havana Harbor, Cuba, the U.S. ultimately declared war on Spain. While battles between the U.S. and Spain took place all over the world from the Philippines to Guam to Cuba and Puerto Rico, the most famous part of the war took place in Cuba. Specifically, Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and their heroic charge up San Juan Hill.
Rough Riders follows the timeline of the Rough Rider regiment, starting at the sinking of the USS Maine. Following the sinking, we see the declaration of war, call to service, and the formation and training of the Rough Rider volunteer cavalry regiment. After that follows the unit being sent to Cuba via Florida, and then the bloody action begins.
Rough Riders (1997) – (c) TNT
Rough Riders stars Tom Berenger as Teddy Roosevelt. Berenger does an amazing job recreating the former president’s speaking style and mannerisms, giving us an accurate glimpse of the legendary adventurer and leader of the free world. Also starring in Rough Riders is Sam Elliott as Captain Bucky O’Neil, the person responsible for training and leading some of the men. One of the better supporting roles is Gary Busey as General “Fightin’ Joe” Wheeler, a former Civil War leader. Other faces appearing in the movie are Brad Johnson as Henry Nash, George Hamilton as William Randolph Hearst, and R. Lee Ermy as Secretary of State John Hay.
Rough Riders (1997) – (c) TNT
The first part of Rough Riders has more of a western feel to it than a war movie. Keep in mind that many of the volunteers for Roosevelt’s regiment were cowboys and general “tough guys.” Most of these men lived out west, and using horses and firing rifles was part of their lifestyle.
Rough Riders (1997) – (c) TNT
But it’s out west where we are introduced to one of the movie’s main characters, Henry Nash. The movie begins with Nash and his buddy robbing a stagecoach and then being pursued by a posse. To escape capture, Nash and his friend hop onto the first train heading out of town, but riding the train involved signing up for military service. As it turns out, the posse was being led by the local sheriff, Bucky O’Neil, the very man who would initially lead and train Roosevelt’s regiment.
Rough Riders (1997) – (c) TNT
At the training camp in San Antonio we’re introduced to a variety of other men who join the regiment, from Indians to Hispanics to educated men from the northeast. Some of them are looking for adventure. Others are answering the call to serve their country. Throughout training, all of the men learn to count on each other and fight together as one unit.
Rough Riders (1997) – (c) TNT
Upon arriving in Cuba, the Rough Riders not only have to face deadly ambushes of Spanish soldiers, but they’re also fighting crippling diseases such as Yellow Fever. But the men prevail. After being under siege in San Juan Heights, the Rough Riders bravely advance up the heavily defended Kettle Hill, reaching the top and seizing control of the high ground. The men then use captured machine guns to suppress enemy fire on nearby San Juan Hill, before they help capture it as well. The actions of Roosevelt and his fighting men made them into the legends that they are today.
Rough Riders (1997) – (c) TNT
Rough Riders is an outstanding movie. Clocking in at 240 minutes (four hours), the movie whisks you along at a quick pace. It may educate you about part of American history rarely taught in school today. It may also fill you with a sense of pride as the brave American soldiers face certain death while marching up the hills at San Juan Heights. From the outstanding music score to historically accurate uniforms and weapons, this movie is fantastic. It’s just a shame that it’s rarely discussed and never shown any more on TV.
Rough Riders (1997) – Theodore Roosevelt speaking to the Naval War College.
Like Gettysburg, TNT did an outstanding job with the creation of this film. Get your hands on it if possible. If you love military movies, American history, or anything from around the turn of the century, you will not be disappointed.
