Benedict Arnold - A Question of Honor

Starring:Aidan Quinn, Kelsey Grammer, Flora Montgomery, John Light, John Kavanagh, Tom Murphy, Stephen Hogan, Lochlainn O'Mearain, Cal Mulcahy, Demien McAdam, Eamonn Owens, Jame Brennan, Ingrid Craigie, Michael Ford (VI), James Flynn, Frank Coughlan, Robert Price, Nick Dunning, Adam Goodwin (III), Ben Palmer (II)
Director: Mikael Salomon
Studio: A&E Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The most sullied figure of the American Revolution receives partial redemption in Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor. Produced for the A&E network, this factual drama reveals the lesser-known circumstances of Arnold's dishonor, beginning in 1777 and chronicling his fall from greatness. The conquering hero of Saratoga and other victories of the Revolution finds himself in an impossible predicament, his allegiance torn between his British loyalist wife (Jane Brennan) and his paternally devoted commander, George Washington (Kelsey Grammer), as his Colonial detractors cast him into a tragic no-win scenario. Authentically detailed and blessed by playwright William Mastrosimone's poetic period dialogue, Benedict Arnold successfully explores the personal and political facets of a great soldier's downfall. Aidan Quinn's expressive melancholy perfectly suits his title role, and Grammer transcends Frasier, lending appropriate gravitas--and some physical resemblance--to his portrayal of America's future president. Like A&E's earlier film The Crossing, this is compelling historical drama, entertaining, intelligent, and emotionally complex. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Ride the wave of patriotism with this dramatic look at a pivotal point in our nation's creation! This original film from A&E Network Studios tells the true story of Benedict Arnold, a man trapped by pride and love. After being disgraced by the Continental Congress and resigning his commission, Arnold is coaxed back into service. But his marriage to a loyalist woman leads to scandal, and the lack of support he receives drives him to defect. Directed by Mikael Salomon ("Band of Brother," "The Agency") "Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor" features powerful performances by Aidan Quinn ("Legends of the Fall," "Songcatcher") as the infamous turncoat, and Kelsey Grammer ("Cheers," "Fraser") as George Washington. Historically accurate, lavishly produced and brilliantly acted, "Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor" brings viewers into the heart of America's struggle for freedom.

Customer Reviews:

borderline watchable........2006-02-25

kinda bored...the script needs more sharpening and concentration. except the major role aidan quinn, other casts were a poor cast job expecially the cast of geoge washington. i failed to feel any emotion during the viewing and should blame the outcome to its screenplay writer.

Love History.......2006-02-23

We were so glad to be able to purchase this wonderful movie for our family. The service was prompt and we have enjoyed the DVD immensely!

no snow in quebec?.......2006-01-30

I could not believe that the charge at quebec in a raging blizzard was depicted as a charge across a grassy field against a wooden palisaded fort. I had serious concerns about the accuracy of the rest of the movie.

If you ignore the first 10 minutes it is a good dramatization.

The wronging of Benedict Arnold and his reaction.......2005-12-29

He has gone down in history as a traitor, which is true. Had he succeeded in his plan to allow the British to capture the fort of West Point and General Washington, there would have been no United States in the eighteenth century. However, the true story is much more complex than that of a man selling out his country. He was the best field general in the U. S. army, his victory at Saratoga, where he personally led the charge to victory, established the Continental army as a viable military force. Seriously wounded in the leg, he was forced to spend a great deal of time convalescing.
During this time, an ungrateful Congress forced him to resign and promoted a politically connected incompetent ahead of him. His old friend George Washington manages to convince him to return to service and he is named military governor of Philadelphia after the British depart. He forcefully intervenes to stop mobs from hanging loyalists and looting their property. He also attempts to mend the fences between all factions, inviting all groups to a party. Unfortunately for him, he falls in love with the daughter of a loyalist and eventually marries her. This creates a scandal, he is removed from his position as military governor and is named commander of the fort at West Point. The Congress does not give him his back pay and then sends him a bill for goods. The Philadelphia mob attacks his house and he is humiliated. He is then transferred to the command of the fort at West Point. Urged by his wife, he plots to betray the colonial army and when the plot is discovered, he barely escapes before being captured.
The best part of this video is that it destroys the historical myth that all of the colonists fighting against the British in the war of independence were idealists who put country before personal gain. The Continental Congress was split by major political factionalism and most people placed loyalty to their state over that to the new nation. People used their positions of influence to profit, gain revenge and destroy those considered rivals for power. At times not even George Washington could stand against them. While Benedict Arnold did betray his country, he suffered so much before he did so that it is difficult to fault him. Aidan Quinn and Kelsey Grammer give superb performances as Benedict Arnold and George Washington. This is another one of those historical videos that should be required viewing in all history classes covering the American war of independence.

great movie.......2005-09-11

this was excellent (frazier played George Washington). Not too long, very enjoyable movie

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