The Conquerors [DVD] [1932]

This Depression-era morale-booster looks at the ups and downs of a banking family from the 1870s to the 1930s (and borrows plentifully from the previous year's hit Cimarron, another empire-building saga that also starred Dix). Following the financial collapse of 1873, Roger Standish (Richard Dix) starts a bank that he guides through various panics. Despite the adversities, he and his wife Caroline (Ann Harding) ultimately establish an American banking dynasty. Note Richard Dix in a dual role, also appearing as Roger's grandson when he joins the Lafayette Escadrille during World War One. (Director Wellman was a former member of the Lafayette Flying Corps.)~Nicole Gagne