Review of Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) by Jonathan K — 18 Dec 2007
It's hard to believe that in 1939 Ford directed three remarkable films: Stagecoach, Young Mr. Lincoln and this Revolutionary War/frontier saga. Although this isn't as seminal as the other two pictures, it's still essential viewing.
The cast is magnificent, with Edna May Oliver and Eddie Collins standouts. It's evident that Ford's passion lies, not with the battle scenes (which are at their most compelling when shot as expressionistic shadows in the dust), but in the moments when the community comes together as a "civilization" (in quotes for those with an eye for political correctness).
True, the Native Americans are depicted as drunken savages, and John Carradine's Torry bad guy fades to the background. But the glory of the film is not in the conflicts but (like so many Ford films) in the small moments ie Colbert spying on Fonda as he cradles their baby and she tiptoes away to pray.
And the vivid Technicolor palette, like a romantic landscape painting come to life, is the icing on the cake.
This review of Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) was written by Jonathan K on 18 Dec 2007.
Drums Along the Mohawk has generally received positive reviews.
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