Sergeant Rutledge (1960)

Sergeant Rutledge (1960)

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“White women only spell trouble for any of us.”

Synopsis:
A Black Cavalry soldier (Woody Strode) falsely accused of raping and murdering a young White woman (Toby Michaels) is defended in court by a White lieutenant (Jeffrey Hunter) and his love interest (Constance Towers), who both believe in Strode’s innocence.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • African-Americans
  • Cavalry
  • Courtroom Drama
  • Falsely Accused
  • Jeffrey Hunter Films
  • John Ford Films
  • Juano Hernandez Films
  • Westerns
  • Woody Strode Films

Review:
John Ford attempted to atone for his previously demeaning depictions of African-Americans on screen — see Judge Priest (1934) and The Sun Shines Bright (1954) — in this earnest, historically groundbreaking western featuring a humanized Black protagonist, and portraying “Buffalo Soldiers” (Black Cavalry members) for the first (?) time.

The movie is told as a courtroom drama, in which we’re first led to believe Towers will portray a stereotypical White damsel-in-distress at the mercy of a “dangerous” Black man.

Soon, however, we learn that Strode has saved her life from an Apache raid, and Towers is actually a reasonable, non-bigoted female protagonist who is justifiably indignant about the claims made against Strode. The rest of the storyline — who did rape and kill “Miss Lucy”, and who shot wounded Strode? — is effectively handled, as we’re kept in suspense about various potential culprits for each crime until the very end.

Meanwhile, we’re shown non-stereotyped Black soldiers interacting and carrying out their duties in a way that should have been much better represented in cinema of the era, but — of course — wasn’t. (Watch for Juano Hernandez in a key supporting role.)

Ford’s film remains a critical step in the direction towards more authentic racial representation on screen, and is thus must-see viewing for its historical significance in cinema.

Note: Strode and Ford remained real-life friends until his death.

Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:

  • Woody Strode as Sgt. Rutledge
  • Jeffrey Hunter as Lt. Cantrell
  • Bert Glennon’s cinematography

Must See?
Yes, for its historical significance.

Categories

  • Historically Relevant
  • Important Director

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One thought on “Sergeant Rutledge (1960)”

  1. First viewing. Agreed; a once-must for its historical significance – and the assessment points are well-stated.

    Ford’s direction is typically strong and Strode gives a noteworthy performance.

    I wouldn’t say that the progression and resolution of the plot are filled with palpable suspense; it’s not that difficult to see in which direction the film will ultimately lead (tho the ‘reveal’ is a tad OTT) but that doesn’t really matter, considering the film’s main point. It’s still a brave film for the period and an instructive one.

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