The " Roughriders " is a coming of age movie for the U.S. . John Milius ( yep, same one as in vol II ) gets to revel in the Teddy Roosevelt Mystique or American imperialism gone gaga.
Teddy always the opportunist is looking for a war and since he can't fight, he sends the U.S. fleet to the Phillipines and he'll send a bunch of cowboys, college grads basically anyone who can ride and shoot or neither to Cuba. However, since his life insurance is paid up - Teddy goes too !.
Milius considers this film, the fighting years of TR, a prequel to the " Wind and the Lion " only needing the pre-prequel, TR The Younger Years.
The boys come to-gether as Americans and a bonding experience after the Civil War. Altuistic and jingistic they train and become the U.S. 1 st volunteer calvary.
Milius, however, lets us see behind the hype and in a poignant scene after the taking of San Juan Hill ( you got it, the San Juan Hill ) - the American flag waves over a water tower w/ the logo for " American Sugar Company " as in lets make the world safe for American interests.
Tom Berenger as TR and some excellent casting in Sam Elliott et al.
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