Watch Drums Along the Mohawk

Drums Along the Mohawk is a classic romantic adventure film from 1939 that is set in the American Revolutionary War era. It is a beautifully made epic historical drama that showcases the early struggles of American settlers in the Mohawk Valley of upstate New York. The story revolves around a newly wedded couple, Gil and Lana Martin, played by Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert respectively. The couple is trying to live a peaceful and quiet life in the Mohawk Valley, but their happiness is cut short when the American Revolution begins, and they are forced to defend their land against British soldiers, Native American tribes, and Tory raiders.

The movie was well received at the time of its release, and it continues to be praised for its breathtaking cinematography, realistic portrayal of the time and place, and the strength of its lead performances. The film was directed by the legendary John Ford, who was known for his expertise in making western movies. His skillful direction brings out the best in the actors of the movie and makes the stunning landscape of the Mohawk Valley come to life.

One of the standout performances of Drums Along the Mohawk comes from Edna May Oliver, who plays Lana's tough and no-nonsense aunt, Mrs. McKlennar. She provides much of the comic relief in the film, but also shows a fierce determination to protect her family and friends from danger. Her chemistry with Colbert is wonderful and provides a touching and believable portrayal of the bond between an aunt and niece.

The movie is filled with incredible action sequences that showcase how the settlers had to fight for their survival throughout the Revolutionary War. One of the most memorable scenes comes when the settlers are attacked by Native American tribes and have to fend for themselves by defending their homes and farms. The camera work during these scenes is exceptional and leaves the viewer breathless.

Drums Along the Mohawk also explores the relationship between the settlers and Native American tribes living in the area. It shows how these groups interacted with each other, and also highlights the importance of diplomacy and understanding between different cultures. One of the more poignant moments comes when Gil and Lana are taken in by a Native American tribe, and Gil starts to understand the way of life of the people who inhabited the area before the settlers arrived.

The movie's score is also a standout feature, with composer Alfred Newman's stirring music adding to the emotional resonance of the story. It perfectly captures the spirit of the American Revolution, and Newman's work on this film set the template for how music should be used to enhance the drama and action on screen.

In summary, Drums Along the Mohawk is a classic film that is still worth watching today for its gorgeous cinematography and John Ford's incredible direction. The strong performances from the lead actors and the realistic portrayal of life in the Mohawk Valley make it a compelling and emotional experience. With action, romance, humor, and historical significance, Drums Along the Mohawk is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in the American Revolution era.

Drums Along the Mohawk is a 1939 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.