Movie spotlight
Ten Gentlemen from West Point
This historical drama tells the story of the first class to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. In the early 19th Century, Congress appropriated the money to build the school, but opponents who believed it to be an illegitimate expansion of the powers of the federal government decided to sabotage the school. They put the hard-as-nails Major Sam Carter in charge of the academy, and he ruthlessly put the recruits through grueling training -- until only ten prospective soldiers remained. They include Dawson, a patriotic farm boy and Howard Shelton, a selfish playboy who has come to West Point only because of its prestige. The two vie for Carolyn Bainbridge, while they, along with the other eight, try convince Carter that the school is worth keeping.
Insights
Plot Summary
During the American Civil War, a group of ten West Point cadets, loyal to the Union, find themselves on the run after their commander is murdered. They are pursued by Confederate forces and must rely on their training and each other to survive and deliver vital intelligence. Along the way, they face personal challenges and moral dilemmas as they navigate the treacherous landscape and the complexities of war. Their journey tests their loyalty, courage, and the bonds of brotherhood forged at the academy.
Critical Reception
While "Ten Gentlemen from West Point" was a studio production during wartime, its historical accuracy and dramatic portrayal of military life received moderate attention. Critics often noted the film's earnestness and its efforts to depict the West Point experience, though some found the plot predictable. Audience reception was generally positive, appreciating the wartime theme and the adventure elements.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its depiction of military discipline and camaraderie.
Some reviewers found the narrative to be somewhat conventional.
The film's historical setting was considered a strong point.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment from similar historical dramas of the era suggests appreciation for its patriotic themes and straightforward storytelling.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Arizona, recreating the landscapes of the post-Civil War era and the Mexican-American War.
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