Sergeant Rutledge Blu-ray Review
“Sergeant Rutledge” is an important John Ford film.
Penned by James Warner Bellah and Willis Goldbeck, 1960’s “Sergeant Rutledge” is a combination western, military, courtroom drama and mystery. Set in 1881, the story concerns the titular Sgt. Rutledge (a member of the Buffalo Soldiers) who is on trial for the murder of Major Dabney and the rape and murder of the Major’s daughter Lucy. Rutledge is on trial for his life and the trial is being overseen by a military court. Lt. Cantrell is tasked with being Rutledge’s defense lawyer whom he believes is innocent. The story is largely told through eyewitness flashbacks of Rutledge. Will the truth come out about what really happened? Will Rutledge be cleared of the charges?
John Ford’s “Sergeant Rutledge” may not be as celebrated as films such as “The Searchers,” but ‘Rutledge’ is every bit as groundbreaking in its own way for exploring racism, justice, Buffalo Soldiers, and for the fact that this film was the first major studio western to cast a Black actor in a lead role with Woody Strode. The story’s combination of multiple genres and its unique narrative structure make it a worthwhile watch. The emphasis on character bolsters the film as a whole as well. You really get to know about Rutledge’s character as a person and a soldier and the story’s exploration of Cantrell as a lawyer and officer who also happened to arrest Rutledge brought added layers to the story. Yes, there’s a tacked on romance here between Mary (a witness) and Cantrell along with Ford’s trademark goofy humor (which does feel a bit out of place at times).
‘Rutledge’ is the rare Ford film without John Wayne. In this entry, Woody Strode and Jeffrey Hunter are the main stars. Strode certainly had a banner year in 1960 with ‘Rutledge’ and his superb Oscar nominated performance in “Spartacus.” He can be a bit stiff in spots here, but he gives a very human performance. Hunter (best known for “The Searchers” and being the OG Christopher Pike in “Star Trek: The Original Series”) does a commendable job as Cantrell. The two best performances here come from Constance Towers (as the emotionalMary) and Willis Bouchey as Lt. Fosgate as the strict Judge.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Viewers can expect another stellar restoration. The Technicolor looks crisp here.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A nice clean 2.0 track through and through.
Extras include original theatrical trailer, 2 cartoons (“Hopalong Casualty” and “West of the Pecos”) and a discussion about “Sergeant Rutledge” between TCM host Ben Mankiewicz and film historian/author Donald Bogle.
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment