The Scarlet Coat

This exceedingly-rare film (not available on DVD *or* VHS, so far as I can tell) came to my attention through TCM. I TiVo'd it on a whim and gave it a look today. It was worth the effort.

The American Revolution is at a critical juncture, and the British plan to win the war by seizing the Colonial stronghold of West Point, New York, commanded by Benedict Arnold (Robert Douglas). Major John Boulton (Cornel Wilde), a member of the Colonial Secret Service, is assigned to infiltrate British Army headquarters and find who has been leaking military secrets to the British. Despite the suspicions of spymaster Dr. Odell (George Sanders), Boulton is accepted by Major John Andre (Michael Wilding), with whom he strikes up an unlikely friendship.

Surprisingly few films on the American Revolution have been made, and fewer still worthwile. John Ford's New York "Western" Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) probably remains the best, with the recent John Adams miniseries a respectable second. In between are some disposable "history for kids" films (Johnny Tremaine) and TV productions (April Morning), along with the pretentious bore Revolution (1986) and, of course, The Patriot (2000). Perhaps there are more hidden gems like The Scarlet Coat, but I haven't the time or resources to track them down.

Directed by John Sturges (The Eagle Has Landed), The Scarlet Coat (1955) is a good if unspectacular costume drama mixed with a spy film. The film is a bit slow-moving at times, with lots of talky bits and a superfluous romance, but the story is gripping and mostly well-told, helped by a fine cast and Karl Tunberg's script, both quotable and rich in character. And it gets extra points for the interesting Boulton-Andre dynamic, a respect between foes pleasantly reminiscent of The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.

One of the film's best attributes is Paul Vogel's beautiful Eastmancolor photography. The movie shoots on authentic New York locations, in the Sleepy Hollow Restoration and elsewhere, where many of the film's events took place. The wonderful locations, with beautiful mountains and lush autumnal forests, make for an incredible-looking film, and the sumptuous art direction and costumes (not entirely accurate, but who would notice?) provide an additional treat. This film ought to be a prime candidate for DVD or even Blu-Ray release; even in TCM's so-so print it looked ravishing.

Cornel Wilde is fine: not the greatest actor, he handles a very physical role well and comes off better than usual. Acting honors really go to Michael Wilding (In Which We Serve), whose Major Andre ultimately becomes more sympathetic and well-rounded than Wilde. George Sanders (All About Eve) ably plays (surprise!) a snidely urbane villain; John McIntire (Winchester '73) also has a nice part. Anne Frances's love interest feels tacked on and not wholly germane to the story; Sturges drops her from the film as soon as is convenient.

Despite its flaws, The Scarlet Coat is certainly worthwhile, provided you can track it down. By no means a masterpiece, it's still a good film about a subject ignored by Hollywood.