Sergeant Rutledge

This movie was first released in 1960(1988)2006, in widescreen, technicolor and runs 111 minutes. The sound and picture quality are very good and the only extra is a good trailor. This movie starts with a court drama, a court marshall, against St Rutledge (Woody Strode) for murder and rape of Lucy Devlin. Mary Beachers (Constance Towers) is a first witness and you see flashbacks as the story is told. Mary is coming home after 12 years in the east to see her father at Spanish Wells. The train stops at Spindle station at night and they cannot find the station master. Mary finds that her father is not there to meet her. Lt Tom Contrell (Jeffrey Hunter) had to leave her there. The station master is found dead with an arrow, and 2 apache attack, while St Rutledge protects her.St Rutledge is hurt in the chest. He had escaped after been fired on at the town. The doctor testifies that Lucy was beaten and strangled. Lt Contrell takes his black soldiers and arrests St Rutledge. 30 - 40 apache are on raid. Then a man's body is found in the desert. St Rutledge goes to Crazy Woman River, following the apache, who raid Sam Beacher's(Mary's father) farm and shoot him. Lt Contrell finds Lucy's necklace on a dead apache and a large coat.The Movie has serious and funny side. It has excellent court room drama, fantastic scenery of Monument Valley, very good story and western directed by John Ford, in technicolor and widescreen. The acting is excellent by Jeffrey Hunter, Woody Strode and the rest. Who killed Lucy? Is St Rutledge (Top Soldier) involved? Will the court believe Lt Contrell, who is defending him? Whose body was found in the desert?Woody Strode(WOODROW WILSON WOOLWINE STRODE) was born on 25.7.1914 in Los Angeles, California. He had world class decathlon capabilities. He also played American football in College and in 1946 for 'Los Angeles Rams'. He also did Professional Wrestling. At 6' 4", he was soon in films, making his debut in 'Sundown'. He is best remmembered for his roles in 'Spartacus'(1960) and 'Sergeant Rutledge'(1960). He became a good friend of JOHN FORD. His last film was in 1995 'The Quick and the Dead'. Strode was a son of 'Creek-Blackfoot-Black' father and 'Black-Cherokee' mother. His first wife was 'Princess Luukialuana Kalaeloa'(Luana Strode), until her death in 1980. His second wife was 'Tina Strode'(1982-1994), until his death. He died of lung cancer on 31.12.1994, aged 80, in Glendora, California.Some of his films are:-(1) The Lion Hunter, 1951(2) African Treasure, 1952(3) The Ten Commandments, 1956(4) Tarzan's Fight For Life, 1958(5) Two Rode Together, 1961(6) The Man Who shot Liberty Valance, 1962(7) The Professionals, 1966(8) Shalako, 1968(9) Once Upon A Time In The West, 1968(10)Posse, 1993Watch and ENJOY.

A fine, underrated cavalry film from John Ford. Black cavalry troopers played a key role in the Indian Wars which has largely been 'whitewashed' out of the history of the American West. This movie valorises its African-American hero and his comrades, whilst not dodging the issue of racism. However it is interesting to note that Woody Strode despite clearly being the lead actor in the actual title role - as well as having the most screen time - does not get above the line billing. So, you know, way to go.There are some great action scenes, all set in Ford's favourite southwestern desert landscape. Despite the usual dose of Fordian whimsy, this is a serious film, though the portrayal of the Native Americans remains problematic.

Maybe not one of Fords greatest masterpieces, but a great showcase for Woody Strode. The theme of racism and rape would have suited more naturally to Edward Dmytryk or even Robert Wise in stark black-and-white: both knew how to use flashback and other typical film noir devises in different socially relevant situations.Sergeant Rutledge is filmed in bright colour without the natural narrative flow of some other Ford films. However, Ford uses to great effect the fact that to a white person Strode might seem to the personification of a very scary black man. Only then is he shown to represent the fordian virtues. Jeffrey Hunter in the nominal lead is less impressive. His great showcase is Roy Boultings Sailor for the King, in this one he seems too much like a nervous boyscout in cynical adult world. Also, the ending seems pat considering the seriousness of the theme.The DVD transfer is grainy with some colour contrasts too bright and some a little faded. Still, quite exceptable, as usual with Warner Bros. Also, works with any R2 dvd-player even though manufacturer calls it R1 only - as is the case with many other Warner DVDs.

This film I had thought I had already reviewed. In saying that I have no problem in reviewing as a first rate western / court room drama. Sergeant Rutledge is black in the union army. He would be known in history as a buffalo soldier; one that had been coerced into the army in the name of slavery to eradicate the issue of slavery, "by serving his President etc.He is accused and taken to court having been found in isolation with a white woman. There be the tale. What transpires throughout the trial that follows is the build up to a climatic conclusion, least expected.As a western I would recommend it. as a Court room drama I would recommend it. Buy this film it is very good.

John Ford at his best

Not one of Ford's great movies, but enough interest to sustain viewing throughout. The film's attitudes to race are a little dated now, but I think Ford had his heart in the right place.

unfortunately didn't realise I was buying a video