Sergeant Rutledge (1960)

Directed by John Ford. Starring Jeffrey Hunter, Constance Towers, Woody Strode, Willis Bouchey, Carleton Young, Billie Burke, Juano Hernández, Judson Pratt, Fred Libby, Rafer Johnson, Tobey Michaels, Ed Shaw.

Disappointing late Western in Ford’s canon deserves credit for being the first mainstream Western to make a black man the central character, and sensitive Strode’s internalized pain in that role generates molten heat, but trite scripting and a weak cast surrounding him deflates its noble intentions. Strode is the titular US Cavalry “Buffalo Soldier” first sergeant, a black officer being court-martialed due to circumstantial evidence that points to him as being a rapist and murderer; Hunter is painfully stiff as the counsel for the defense, Towers a dull witness and love interest for Hunter. Slow-going and scattered early on, with needless comic relief awkwardly trying to perk things up without success. Once things start percolating, however, the film devolves into unconvincing melodrama for the final act, including a conclusion that’s wrapped up so pretty, all that’s missing is the bow. Despite being the focus of the trial, Strode is too often sidelined in favor of Hunter’s speeches and “colorful” supporting characters that periodically hog the spotlight and drain the film of its dramatic potential. Ford’s concern for social justice in the latter part of his career is commendable, but this story deserves a tighter, more passionate telling, one that humanizes its ever-noble hero instead of simply making him virtuous; at least the director can be relied upon for some scenic vista shots.

46/100