Western

Crime

Drama

Sergeant Rutledge

John Ford Productions

Warner Bros. Pictures

United States of America

English

Jeffrey Hunter

Woody Strode

Constance Towers

Billie Burke

Juano Hernández

Willis Bouchey

Carleton Young

Judson Pratt

Chuck Roberson

Chuck Hayward

Phil Adams

Mario Arteaga

Gertrude Astor

Brandon Beach

Oscar Blank

Clifton Brandon

Naaman Brown

Louis Byrd

Ruth Clifford

Jane Crowley

Shug Fisher

Eugene Gaines

Sam Harris

William Henry

James Johnson

Rafer Johnson

Jack Kenny

Mike Lally

Jack Lewis

Fred Libby

Marvin Luster

Cliff Lyons

Wilbur Mack

Mae Marsh

Toby Michaels

Jack Mower

Trusse R. Norris

Eva Novak

Jack Pennick

Jack Perrin

Walter Reed

Charles Seel

Ed Shaw

Bobby Lee Smith

Ed Sweeny

Walter Torrence

David Washington

William Wellman Jr.

Lloyd Winston

Sheb Wooley

Hank Worden

James Warner Bellah

John Ford

Willis Goldbeck

Russell Saunders

Allen Pomeroy

Michael A. Hoey

M.A. Merrick

Edward O'Fearna

Norman Pringle

Web Overlander

Wingate Smith

Gordon Bau

Eddie Imazu

Bert Glennon

Marjorie Best

Jack Murray

Frank M. Miller

Patrick Ford

Howard Jackson

Richard L. Wilson

Buffalo Soldier.

It was alright for Mr. Lincoln to say we was free. But that ain't so! Not yet! Maybe some day, but not yet!

John Ford's Sergeant Rutledge tells the story of a black man, 1st Sgt. Braxton Rutledge, a Buffalo Soldier of the 9th U.S. Cavalry who was up before a court-martial for the rape and murder of a white girl, Major Dabney's daughter, Lucy.

Taking place in the court room the story is told in flashback as Rutledge's (Woody Strode) troop officer, and defence council, Lt. Tom Cantrell (Jeffrey Hunter) attempts to piece together the evidence. From the outset Ford is on biting form as the case is being tried in a biased and corruptible court, we as the viewers are left in no doubt that Rutledge could be at the mercy of obnoxious white racists. It's one of the many things that makes the film a bold and at times angry picture. This was after all two years before the critically acclaimed To Kill A Mockingbird, thus making it one of the flag bearers for early acknowledgement of race relations in America. 

As the sharp narrative moves forward, cloaked in visual excellence with Bert Glennon this time being Ford's cinematographer of choice, the film always keeps us guessing as to the outcome. We really can never be sure, such is the stench of racism that hangs heavy, a stench that is counter pointed by Woody Strode's wonderful and powerful performance as the on trial man. Also in fine physical shape at 46, Strode serves notice to just what a fine and important actor he was in relation to Black Americans in Hollywood. Hunter is handsome and strong in vocal delivery as the council in the middle of a real tricky trial, and Constance Towers as Mary Beecher is the glue binding them, and the story, all together.

It's a first rate picture from Ford, one that is largely (and wrongly) forgotten when talk of his oeuvre comes around. Still awaiting a DVD release in the UK, it's evident that it still remains hidden from many a prospective new viewer. This needs correcting because it's bold, beautiful and important cinema from a master director, who, as always, had much to say. 9/10

Sgt. rutledge trailer

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Sergeant Rutledge

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Cast

Jeffrey Hunter

Woody Strode

Constance Towers

Billie Burke

Juano Hernández

Willis Bouchey

Carleton Young

Judson Pratt

Chuck Roberson

Chuck Hayward

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