Sergeant Rutledge Authentic Region 1 DVD from Warner Brothers starring Jeffrey Hunter Constance Towers Billie Burke Directed by JOHN FORD DVD +Movie Reviews

Ford's Rashomon

David Baldwin | Philadelphia,PA USA | 07/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Sergeant Rutledge" speaks alot about the character of director John Ford in the twilight of his storied career. His track record allowed him the luxury of tackling hotbutton issues without consideration of controversy or commercial concerns. By tackling racism so bluntly in a day where others kind of sugarcoated the topic is a tribute alone to Ford. That he does so superbly makes "Sergeant Rutledge" indispensible. The film works on so many levels aside from an exploration of racism. It is a moving tribute to the 9th Calvary division that consisted of African-American troops. It's also a riveting courtroom drama where you don't feel cheated by the denouement. Excellent performances with Jeffrey Hunter compelling as the lieutenant assigned the duty of a defending a "buffalo soldier" of the unthinkable and Woody Strode solid in the title role. You can separate this film from Ford's other work but it is a piece of a complex puzzle that is a master director's outstanding output."

A View in Time

Avid | USA | 11/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ford has a collection of work that is both gritty and exciting. Not only is this a story of the Cavalry in the southwest, not only a story of Calvalry versus Indians, not only of romance, and not only of solid characters, this is a gutsy story of inherent racism in the country, of murder and of courtroom drama.

Woody Strode plays an excellent Sergeant Rutledge, the black 9th Cavalry top sergeant accused of the rape and murder of a white woman. Jeffrey Hunter plays a strong Cavalry lieutenant, assigned to the black "Buffalo Soldiers" that patroled the 19th century southwest. He leads them in combat and he stands tall to defend Sergeant Rutledge.

The storyline moves along with each element working in tandem. It's a Ford work and it lives up to his standards and to his love and respect for the western Cavalry.

Well worth seeing as a social and historical review. Certainly worth watching for anyone interested in the time of the Cavalry generally, the Buffalo Soldiers in particular.

Hope the DVD is released soon."

Sergeant Rutledge

Volleyball Mike | 04/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is an excellent story of a man struggling with a conflict between his friendship and his duty. The theme was ground-breaking for its time and the performances by Jeffrey Hunter and Woody Strode are perfect. The supporting cast is also excellent and the many glimpses into life in that period round out the movie."

Sergeant Rutledge

Warren R. Holloway | 12/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Woody Strode name doesn't appear in the star listing, but he's truely the star. Mr. Strode is one of Hollywood's Greatest Stars and it's a must see."

Sergeant Rutledge

J. Lindner | Gem Lake, MN United States | 07/12/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is well acted, well written, and has a strong cast. But most important it is directed by a man who was not afraid to take on racial issues in the days prior to the Civil Rights Act. Perhaps it was because of efforts like this film that Americans realized the land of the free was less free for people of color.

A black sergeant from a group of "Buffalo Soldiers" is accused of rape and murder. Through it all he maintains his sense of duty as a soldier to protect the civilians in the region of his post. He doesn't whine about mistreatment, he doesn't complain about life being unfair. He simply does his duty as a soldier, mindful of the responsibilities his rank demands. During an attack he rides off into the blaze of battle to assist an injured comrade. During a siege of a remote ranch, he is alone with a white woman but offers her protection and safety.

It is the whites of the military and of the main post that try to play the race card when the assault and murders occur. No one, it would seem to them, would mind if a black man was charged and hanged for the offense, even if it meant the perpetrator remained free to repeat the crime again. At first the defense attorney at the courts martial was not even going to put up any kind of serious defense of the accused. He does come around to point out the innocense of his client, only to wrongly conclude who the actual guilty party was. It is only at this time that the real killer breaks down on the witness stand and confesses.

This movie does not get a lot of air time nor does it get a lot of credit. It was filmed the same year as John Wayne's "Alamo" which the Duke criticized Americans for not cozying up to his film. Wayne said those who did not appreciate the Alamo did not grasp their nation's history. One could make a stronger case for Sergeant Rutledge. This movie was even moreso about American society's failure to come to terms with its own lofty standards when it failed to apply equally the tenets of the constitution. Sergeant Rutledge does much to illustrate the racial divisions at work in American society. This is also a very gripping movie with a high entertainment value."

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	Sergeant Rutledge - Authentic Region 1 DVD from Warner Brothers starring Jeffrey Hunter Constance Towers Billie Burke Directed by JOHN FORD Director: John Ford Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense 1hr 51min Release Date: June 6th, 2006.
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