Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)

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

Director:

John Ford

Writers:

Lamar Trotti (screenplay), Sonya Levien (screenplay),

Stars:

Claudette Colbert, Henry Fonda, Edna May Oliver

Nominated for 2 Oscars.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Claudette Colbert	...	Lana (Magdelana)
Henry Fonda	...	Gilbert Martin
Edna May Oliver	...	Mrs. McKlennar
Eddie Collins	...	Christian Reall
John Carradine	...	Caldwell
Dorris Bowdon	...	Mary Reall
Jessie Ralph	...	Mrs. Weaver
Arthur Shields	...	Reverend Rosenkrantz
Robert Lowery	...	John Weaver
Roger Imhof	...	Gen. Nicholas Herkimer
Francis Ford	...	Joe Boleo
Ward Bond	...	Adam Hartman
Kay Linaker	...	Mrs. Demooth
Russell Simpson	...	Dr. Petry
Spencer Charters	...	Innkeeper

Storyline

In Revolutionary America, Gil Martin takes his new wife Lana back to his farm in upstate New York. The area is remote and a distance from the fort but they are happy living in their one room cabin. With the declaration independence, the settlers soon find themselves at war with the British and their Indian allies. Their farm is burned out and the Martins take work with Sarah McKlennar. The war continues however as the Martins try to make a new life.

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Plot Keywords:

farm | new york | fort | farmer | newlywed | 

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Taglines:

Red-Blooded DRAMA !

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | War | Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 November 1939 (USA)

Also Known As:

Darryl F. Zanuck's Production of Drums Along the Mohawk

Filming Locations:

Cook County, Pennsylvania, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Iroquois Confederation was split in its loyalties during the Revolution. The Oneidas sided with the Americans while the Mohawks and Senecas joined with the Hurons and Nipissing First Nation (Ojibwas and Algonquins) on the side of the British.

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Goofs

When Mrs. McKlennar is dying, she tells Lana not to "tune out on me." In revolutionary America, what is there to tune out?

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Quotes

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

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Connections

Edited into My Country 'Tis of Thee (1950)

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Soundtracks

"America, My Country Tis of Thee"
(uncredited)
Music by Henry Carey from "God Save the King" (1744)
In the score when the new American flag is raised at the end

User Reviews

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.