Drums Along the Mohawk

1939
Approved
1h 44m

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

6.9K

YOUR RATING

Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert in Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)

Page turning trailer for this black and white western

Play trailer2:18

1 Video

29 Photos

Quest Western Epic Drama Romance War Western

Newlyweds Gil and Lana Martin try to establish a farm in the Mohawk Valley but are menaced by Indians and Tories as the Revolutionary War begins.Newlyweds Gil and Lana Martin try to establish a farm in the Mohawk Valley but are menaced by Indians and Tories as the Revolutionary War begins.Newlyweds Gil and Lana Martin try to establish a farm in the Mohawk Valley but are menaced by Indians and Tories as the Revolutionary War begins.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

6.9K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 nomination total

Trivia
The battle so vividly described by Gil Martin (Henry Fonda) is the bloody Battle of Oriskany, which had one of the highest casualty rates of any battle in the war. It took place on August 6, 1777, and involved only North American troops--Tory, Patriot and Indian--and was part of what became the overall Battle of Saratoga, as the Tory and Indian troops were commanded by a subordinate of Gen. "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne. Gen. Nicholas Herkimer, who was wounded in the battle, did not receive adequate medical attention. His leg became infected and he died ten days later from blood loss after amputation on August 16. He was 49. Despite Gil's claim that the colonials gave them a "licking," the Tories and Indians suffered only 150 casualties while the Patriots sustained 450.

Goofs
The real William Caldwell was not killed in the Mohawk Valley assault on the fort as suggested by the film, but lived to fight on the British side during the War of 1812.

Quotes
Reverend Rosenkrantz: Any man failing to report to duty will be promptly hanged. Amen.

Crazy credits
Opening credits prologue: 1776 AT THE BORST HOME IN ALBANY, NEW YORK

Connections
Edited into March on, America! (1942)

Soundtracks
Country Gardens
(uncredited)
Traditional 18th Century dance
Arranged by Edward B. Powell and Conrad Salinger

User reviews89

Review

Featured review

A Great Film On the Revolution

This is one great film to look at on a lazy afternoon. It is definitely the finest film John Ford ever directed without the use of John Wayne. The timing of the release of it was interesting due to the fact that the world was edging ever closer to the brink of war and the country needed something to help boost morale. Also, the performances in this film were great as well. Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert were wonderful, but the character that really stood out for me was the old spinster, Mrs. McKlennar portrayed by Edna May Oliver. Too bad it had to be released in 1939. Due to all the great releases that year, this film definitely got lost in the shuffle.