Drums Along the Mohawk
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Movie Reviews of Drums Along the Mohawk
Movie Review: Great telescopic look at early American frontier live styles
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie is a great depiction of life in the late 1700's in frontier America. Gill Martin (Henry Fonda) brings his pampered New York wife Lana (Claudette Colbert) to Mohawk valley. Here she must come to grips with a life that has few frills and more dangers than she knew existed. Their cabin was a mere hut compared to the lavish home Lana had been raised in. Now instead of the rich and beautiful daughter with little responsibility, she must become a wife, mother, and a farmer working side by side with her husband no matter what the risk or dangers.
Here we see the pride and courage of the frontier people during and after the American Revolution. Often relying only on a volunteer army of fellow neighbors they had to endure the savage attacks from Indians spurred on by British Tories. Often they would have to leave everything behind to rush to the fort, dragging their wives, kids, and what few belongings they could pile into a cart; then do their best to fight off the hordes of attacking Indians.
This movie is a must with a great cast including Ward Bond, Edna May Oliver, and John Carradine. The photography and true depictions of frontier life are a must see for all. The battles and action are a plus that will keep you interested and thrilled. Those who are concerned with what their children watch can relax with this fantastic movie that will entertain and educate the kids and the adults from beginning to end.
If you like a movie that makes you proud to be an American then buy this DVD you will enjoy it again and again.
Movie Review: An older, but still serviceable, movie about the Revolutionary War
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a romanticized view of the frontier during the American Revolution, typical of its time. The movie is, to some extent dated, but very good for its day. The cinematography is very nice and John Ford's direction begins to show his auteur skills.
This is, at one level, the story of a couple from marriage to their life on the frontier. Gil (Henry Fonda) and Lana (Claudette Colbert) Martin get married and move to the frontier (the Mohawk Valley in New York). Lana comes from a well-to-do family, but is game to struggle on the frontier. This is as much a movie about characters as about action. General Herkimer's stand at the battle of Oriskany is only hinted at. A later battle is more explicitly depicted.
The young couple, before the outbreak of war, creates a new life, showing a lot of pluck. After Oriskany, the British and Native Americans destroy their home; they must come to work for another person (an outstandingly quirky widow, played by Edna May Oliver, who received an Oscar nomination for her role), as they strive to get back on their feet.
There is considerable derring-do during the siege of the fort, with a satisfying ending. There is a somewhat stereotyped view of Native Americans, as one might expect.
However, this is a satisfying movie from its time. Worth viewing, too, for the start of John Ford's major league career (he also directed "Stagecoach" and "Young Mr. Lincoln" that year).
Movie Review: A Simple Uncomplicated Story That Will Delight
Summary: 4 Stars
Lamar Trotti and Sonya Levien's screenplay of Walter D, Edmonds novel of early American settlers in up-state New York have, with the assistance of the brilliant direction of John Ford, done true justice to Walter Edmonds novel. The rich early three colour technicolor prints serve to enrich and enhance the natural beauty of the location footage; contrary to some of the other reviewers opinions I find nothing wrong at all with this DVD transfer of a sixty six year old movie. 20th Century Fox have done an excellent job, but, I would have liked a few extras, such as the making of 'Drums Along the Mohawk'and some background info on the cast.
Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert carried out their roles with aplomb and the expert professionlism that one expects from acters who have reached the dizzy heights of stardom. However, for me, Edna May Oliver made this movie the memorable experience that it is; she stole every scene that she was in and who could ever forget the scene where she would rather be burnt to death in her bed than leave it?
No political correctness here either, if this movie was being made today it would not have depicted the Indians as mean and cruel drunken savages acting on the behalf of a white man's army but rather as a simple people who's acts are as the result of some form of trickery.
This one was great entertainment in 1939 and it is still great entertainment in 2005; in fact it hasn't dated at all. This one will not disappoint.
Movie Review: A Pleasant Surprise
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm not a fan of the John Ford/Henry Fonda films, but despite my reservations I got this film because of Claudette Colbert. To my delightful surprise, I really enjoyed this film, even though Ms. Colbert's glamorous and sophisticated looks (in spite of the period costumes) seem out of place in the American frontier and, as others have pointed out, the leading couple is upstaged by the supporting cast (like Edna May Oliver) and especially by the beautiful color cinematography. Of course, its a 1939 Hollywood film, so its version of history is very biased. I liked watching it, but I still don't think its as great a film as others have mentioned. Still, its certainly worth watching.Movie Review: Pioneering Eastern USA
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie endures well, partly because it is historical, and therefore not subject to obsolescence, other than technical obsolescence - due to changes in filming techniques. These are not significant.
In its day, "Drums Along the Mohawk" was Academy Award material. Perhaps it would still be so.
I get caught in the drama, the danger, the excitement and the unbelievable hardships of the pioneers, especially the women. This movie tends to bring out all of those aspects of pioneer life, and because I am drawn in, I get a strong feeling of participation, even though I am sure I don't have the heart to be a true pioneer.