Henry Fonda plays a young farmer who settles in upstate New York with his new wife played by Claudette Colbert at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Fonda starts out innocently enough, but soon encounters evil in the facade of a Tory played by John Carradine. How do we know he is evil? He wears a black eye patch! This would be hokey in any other film except one directed by John Ford. Carradine does not appear in many scenes, but his chilly presence is felt from his introduction onwards.
Several scenes realistically portray the militia man. The call to arms is issued at a church service where a notice is given about the imminent threat of Indians and Tories. All must report subject to execution for treason. When the actual call to battle occurs, the militia marches down a country road mustering soldiers by knocking on doors. Militia members grab their gun and fall in immediately. When the soldiers straggle home after battle, it is a pitiful sight. There are no glorious battles, just pain and uncertainty.
This is one of the first major studio releases set against the background of the Revolutionary War. Its antiquated production values (by today's standards) actually render a charm that suits the historical era being portrayed. (Author: Rick Osborn March 13, 2000) |
