Virginia City (1940)
A rousing Civil War Western from director Michael Curtiz, featuring Errol Flynn, Humphrey Bogart, and Randolph Scott in a high-stakes race for Confederate gold.
Virginia City - Movie Information
- Original Title: Virginia City
- Release Year: 1940
- Directed by: Michael Curtiz
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western, Action, Romance
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 23, 1940 (Sweden - 7), March 23, 1940 (United States - NR), May 22, 1940 (United Kingdom - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Virginia City (DE)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Virginia City - Plot
Union officer Kerry Bradford escapes from a Confederate prison and races to intercept $5 million in gold destined for Confederate coffers. A Confederate sympathizer and a Mexican bandit, each with their own stake in the loot, stand in his way.
Virginia City - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the adventure come to life:
Go West!...to Virginia City...for excitement, for adventure, for primitive romance!!!
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Virginia City - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Michael Curtiz
Main Cast
- Errol Flynn
- Miriam Hopkins
- Randolph Scott
- Humphrey Bogart
- Frank McHugh
- Alan Hale
- Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams
- John Litel
- Douglass Dumbrille
- Moroni Olsen
Writers
- Robert Buckner
Virginia City - FAQs
What is Virginia City about?
Virginia City follows Union officer Kerry Bradford, who escapes a Confederate prison and races to stop $5 million in gold from reaching Confederate hands. Standing in his way are a Confederate spy and a ruthless Mexican bandit, each scheming to claim the fortune for themselves. It's a fast-paced Civil War adventure packed with action and intrigue.
Is Virginia City worth watching today?
Absolutely. Virginia City is a prime example of classic Hollywood adventure filmmaking. Director Michael Curtiz keeps the pace brisk, Errol Flynn is magnetic in the lead, and the supporting cast — including Humphrey Bogart and Randolph Scott — adds real weight. It's a thoroughly entertaining Western that holds up remarkably well for a film from 1940.
Where can you stream Virginia City?
You can rent or buy Virginia City on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's widely available across digital platforms, so finding a copy to watch is easy no matter which service you prefer.
Why is Humphrey Bogart's role in Virginia City controversial?
Bogart plays the Mexican bandit John Murrell wearing heavy makeup to appear Hispanic — a casting choice that drew criticism even at the time and looks especially uncomfortable by modern standards. Bogart himself reportedly disliked the role. It remains one of the more awkward footnotes in his otherwise celebrated career.
Who are the main actors in Virginia City?
The film brings together a stellar cast: Errol Flynn leads as Union officer Kerry Bradford, with Miriam Hopkins as the Confederate spy Julia Hayne, Randolph Scott as the Confederate antagonist Vance Irby, and Humphrey Bogart as the villainous bandit John Murrell. Alan Hale and Frank McHugh round out the ensemble with welcome comic energy.
Is Virginia City based on a true story?
The film is fictional, though it draws on the real historical backdrop of the American Civil War and the genuine strategic importance of gold shipments to both sides. Virginia City, Nevada was a real and significant mining town during that era. The screenplay by Robert Buckner weaves an invented adventure story into that authentic historical setting.
Who directed Virginia City and what else did he make?
Michael Curtiz directed Virginia City, and he's one of Hollywood's most prolific legends. He helmed Casablanca (1942), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), and Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), among dozens of others. Virginia City was part of a highly successful run of collaborations between Curtiz and Errol Flynn at Warner Bros.
Did Virginia City perform well at the box office?
Yes — Virginia City was a solid commercial success. Made on a budget of around $1.2 million, the film earned over $2.3 million at the box office, making it a profitable venture for Warner Bros. It reinforced Errol Flynn's status as one of Hollywood's top box-office draws in the early 1940s.
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