Respected Black cavalry Sergeant Brax Rutledge stands court-martial for raping and killing a white woman and murdering her father, his superior officer.Respected Black cavalry Sergeant Brax Rutledge stands court-martial for raping and killing a white woman and murdering her father, his superior officer.Respected Black cavalry Sergeant Brax Rutledge stands court-martial for raping and killing a white woman and murdering her father, his superior officer.
- Awards
- 2 nominations
- Court Guard
- (uncredited)
- Mexican
- (uncredited)
- Courtroom Spectator
- (uncredited)
- Courtroom Spectator
- (uncredited)
- Courtroom Spectator
- (uncredited)
- Trooper
- (uncredited)
- Trooper
- (uncredited)
- Trooper
- (uncredited)
- Officer's Wife
- (uncredited)
- Courtroom Spectator
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaUnsatisfied with Woody Strode's rehearsal of bullet-wounded drowsiness, director John Ford took his own steps to make Strode appear authentically weary for Rutledge's gunshot early on in the film. The day before the scene was to be shot, Ford got Strode drunk early in the day and had an assistant follow him around for the rest of the day to make sure he stayed that way. When the time came for Strode to shoot the scene with Constance Towers, his hangover gave him the perfect (for Ford) appearance of a man who had been shot.
- GoofsThe US Cavalry officer saber shown throughout the movie appears to be the straight blade, double edge M1913 Patton style saber which wasn't adapted by the military until 1913. Since the movie appears to be set before 1900, the cavalry would still be using the swept back single edge Model 1860 Light Cavalry saber.
- Quotes
Capt. Shattuck: You are trying to trade your murderer's bravery for the mercy of the court! Isn't that it?
1st Sgt. Braxton Rutledge: No, sir, that is not it at all!
Capt. Shattuck: All right, Rutledge, if that isn't it, what was it?
1st Sgt. Braxton Rutledge: It was because the Ninth Cavalry was my home, my real freedom, and my self-respect, and the way I was desertin' it, I wasn't
[voice cracking]
1st Sgt. Braxton Rutledge: nuthin' worse than a swamp-runnin' nigger, and I ain't that! Do you hear me? I'm a man!
- ConnectionsEdited into John Ford: The Man Who Invented America (2019)
- SoundtracksCaptain Buffalo
Words and Music by Mack David and Jerry Livingston
Ford, who called himself a social democrat creates another film of nobility and personal convictions, both his and his characters. It is Fords great humanity and sense of justice which makes this film so appealing.
Some of the narrative is forced and the resolution is pat. What we do have is Fords beautiful colour camera in Monument Valley, ala "The Searchers ( 1956 )", broad humour, defined characterizations and attention to detail both individual and historical.
Jeffrey Hunter, always an underrated actor, is fine as the lead, but it is Woody Strode as the title character that is a stand out. His courtroom scene defending his beliefs and humanity is truly moving as is his scene as he rides back to save his troop. A " man mountain" he is ! Through his physical presence Ford coaxes out subtle nuances of character which give the role a ring of truth. Supporting him we have Fords usual wonderful stock players. Although not as poetic or thought out as some of Fords other films this is still miles ahead of other peoples efforts.
- FrankiePaddo
- Sep 22, 1999
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Captain Buffalo
- Filming locations
- Mexican Hat, Utah, USA(along the San Juan River)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $3,047
- Runtime1 hour 51 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1