Most films about the American Revolution don't seem to do well at the box office, and the "The Scarlet Coat" appears to have been no exception. One difference with this story is that it has little to do with the war itself, or the politics behind it. Instead, "The Scarlet Coat" is really a spy story, centered around the unmasking of Benedict Arnold. All Americans are aware that Benedict Arnold was an arch- traitor whose name is universally reviled. However, it is likely that practically none of them could tell you who he actually was, or what it was that he did to make his name so infamous. That is the subject of "The Scarlet Coat".
Unfortunately, however, little is revealed concerning Arnold himself, or his motivations. He remains a shadowy figure on the periphery of the story, what Alfred Hitchcock would have called "The McGuffin", the object about which the story revolves, but about which the audience learns little or nothing.
The real subject of "The Scarlet Coat" is the relationship between two spies, American Major John Boulton and British Major John Andre. Despite the fact that the outcome of the war hangs in the balance over the success of their respective enterprises, they are depicted as having been good friends. Of the men two Andre is presented as being by the far the more interesting character of the two.
Among movies about the American revolution, "The Scarlet Coat" stands apart in that it does not depict the British as overbearing tyrants. As played by Michael Wilding, Major Andre comes off as an intelligent and gallant gentleman, highly regarded by both friends and foes alike. That aspect of the film, at least, is unquestionably supported by the historical record. It is Major Andre's tragic downfall that provides the climax of the film.
It so happens that I reside in the village where Major Andre was tried and hanged, and where he is still regarded as a local celebrity, of not precisely a local hero. The 18th Century Inn where he was held prisoner is still open for business, just across the square from the church where the trial was held. A British officer's red coat, purporting to be that worn by Major Andre, is on display in the Inn, though I cannot vouch for it's authenticity. A monument stands at the place where Major Andre was hanged, probably the only one ever erected in the United States commemorating a foreign spy, and the place where it stands is still officially known as "Andre Hill". One other curious circumstance concerning that village: it has a road that is still called "Kings Highway". That road was established back in the late 1600s and, apparently, after all these years nobody ever bothered to change the name.
Unfortunately, however, little is revealed concerning Arnold himself, or his motivations. He remains a shadowy figure on the periphery of the story, what Alfred Hitchcock would have called "The McGuffin", the object about which the story revolves, but about which the audience learns little or nothing.
The real subject of "The Scarlet Coat" is the relationship between two spies, American Major John Boulton and British Major John Andre. Despite the fact that the outcome of the war hangs in the balance over the success of their respective enterprises, they are depicted as having been good friends. Of the men two Andre is presented as being by the far the more interesting character of the two.
Among movies about the American revolution, "The Scarlet Coat" stands apart in that it does not depict the British as overbearing tyrants. As played by Michael Wilding, Major Andre comes off as an intelligent and gallant gentleman, highly regarded by both friends and foes alike. That aspect of the film, at least, is unquestionably supported by the historical record. It is Major Andre's tragic downfall that provides the climax of the film.
It so happens that I reside in the village where Major Andre was tried and hanged, and where he is still regarded as a local celebrity, of not precisely a local hero. The 18th Century Inn where he was held prisoner is still open for business, just across the square from the church where the trial was held. A British officer's red coat, purporting to be that worn by Major Andre, is on display in the Inn, though I cannot vouch for it's authenticity. A monument stands at the place where Major Andre was hanged, probably the only one ever erected in the United States commemorating a foreign spy, and the place where it stands is still officially known as "Andre Hill". One other curious circumstance concerning that village: it has a road that is still called "Kings Highway". That road was established back in the late 1600s and, apparently, after all these years nobody ever bothered to change the name.