American Empire (film)

American Empire is a 1942 American Western film directed by William C. McGann and starring Richard Dix, Leo Carrillo, and Preston Foster.

The film tells the story of three cattlemen who come to Texas after the Civil War to build a cattle empire. The three, Lee Culver (Dix), Domingo (Carrillo), and Paxton Bryce (Foster), have differing views on how to build and manage their business, leading to conflict. Lee is ambitious and ruthless, willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals, while Domingo is more pragmatic and grounded in tradition, and Paxton is more concerned with fairness and ethical practices.

The film explores themes of ambition, greed, and the clash between tradition and progress in the development of the American West. It depicts the challenges and sacrifices involved in building an economic empire and the personal cost of such endeavors. American Empire is notable for its depiction of the cattle industry in the post-Civil War era and its exploration of the complex relationships between its characters. The film also features Frances Gifford, Chris Pin Martin, and Robert Barrat in supporting roles.