“Sergeant Rutledge” (1960) starring Jeffrey Hunter, Woody Strode & Constance Towers / Z-View

Sergeant Rutledge (1960)

Director: John Ford

Screenplay: James Warner Bellah, Willis Goldbeck, novelization SERGEANT RUTLEDGE by James Warner Bellah

Stars: Jeffrey Hunter, Woody Strode, Constance Towers, Billie Burke, Juano Hernandez, Willis Bouchey, Carleton Young, Judson Pratt, Phil Adams, Rafer Johnson and Toby Michaels.

Tagline: “I want the truth about that night.”

The Plot…

First Sergeant Braxton Rutledge (Strode) stands accused of the rape and murder of Lucy Dabney (Michaels) and the murder of her father, Major Custis Dabney.  Despite being a respected and decorated soldier, the evidence points to Sergeant Rutledge’s guilt.  He was wounded and seen leaving the scene of the crime before going AWOL.

Now on trial, with an mob ready to hang him, Sergeant Braxton knows he has little hope, despite his claims of innocence.  Who is going to believe a black man when he says he didn’t rape and kill a young white girl and her father?  Lt. Tom Cantrell (Hunter), Rutledge’s commanding officer has everything stacked against him as he works to prove Rutledge is innocent.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This was Billie (best known as Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz) Burke’s last film role.

Rafer Johnson, who plays Corporal Klump, won a Gold Medal in the 1960 Olympics in the decathlon.

Toby Michaels plays Lucy Dabney, the young girl who was raped and murdered.  Michaels is not listed in the credits.

The reveal of who committed the murder is worthy of Perry Mason.

Sergeant Rutledge (1960) rates 4 of 5 stars.