The Scarlet Coat

The Scarlet Coat is a Eastmancolor 1955 American historical drama and swashbuckler directed by John Sturges, based upon the events in the American Revolution in which Benedict Arnold offered to surrender the fort at West Point to the British in exchange for money. The film purports to tell the story of the creation of the "American Secret Service", and weaves a spy/counterspy tale in which British and American counterparts, played by Michael Wild... more

The Scarlet Coat is a Eastmancolor 1955 American historical drama and swashbuckler directed by John Sturges, based upon the events in the American Revolution in which Benedict Arnold offered to surrender the fort at West Point to the British in exchange for money. The film purports to tell the story of the creation of the "American Secret Service", and weaves a spy/counterspy tale in which British and American counterparts, played by Michael Wilding and Cornell Wilde, unaware that each is attempting to outsmart the other for the sake of their countries, deal with issues of honor, loyalty, friendship, and rivalry over a beautiful woman (Anne Francis). Wilding's character, the historical Major John André, is treated sympathetically in the film, while Wilde's fictional role of "Major John Bolton", possibly based loosely on Major Benjamin Tallmadge, is portrayed as more ruthless, particularly in the brutality he employs to accomplish his objectives. The script is noted for its even... less