Product Description

Studio: A&e Home Video Release Date: 02/11/2003 Run time: 100 minutes Rating: Nr

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20014 in DVD
• Brand: A&E
• Released on: 2003-02-11
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 100 minutes

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

Customer Reviews

A Messy Version of Arnold
A@E normally produces pretty good stuff. For some reason they never really got it together on this one. The subject matter is certainly good, but the chronology of the story seems confused. For one, this should have been a longer story. At least another hour could have included and clarified many aspects of Arnold's complex career in the Revolution. As it stands here many important events are left out, including the battle of Freeman's Farm, as well as his clever deception of the Indians which fouled Berry St. Leger's drive down from Oswego. These were important aspects of Arnold's career, which should have been included. The excessive romance scenes with Peggy could have been cut down to make room. Jeff Daniels would have been better to have as Washington. He was so good in "The Crossing" which was a much better film. The relationship with Major Andre is grossly over-stated. Aidrian Quinn does an adequate job playing Arnold, but his work is not made easiler by an overall weak support cast, and poor editing. What is good about the DVD version is that you get the true story of Arnold's life from the A&E Biography thats included. An overall attractive production with unfortunate short-comings.

Very Good Movie
I have to say that my rating was graded on a curve. I'd say this movie is some where between a high 3 and a low 4. Basically the equivalent of a C+ or B-. My disappointments with the movie was that I felt that it could have been 30 minutes longer and better edited. The story line seemed to jump around a tad. As for Grammer & Quinn? I thought that they both did a great job portraying Washington & Arnold.

I would recommend this DVD for those curious about Arnold. This movie sparked my interest in Arnold when it was first televised and convinced me that Benedict Arnold's treason was more tragic then anything. The DVD also has the A&E Biography of Arnold and is well worth the money.

NEAR PERFECTION!
Unlike The Patriot which was purely made for propaganda purposes, Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor, follows a much more pragmatic, realistic, and in effect a more truthful account of events during the American War of Independence (1775-1783). The film brings to the screen two main stories, which are unfolding simultaneously: On the one hand, Continental General Benedict Arnold trying to survive the turmoil of a country at war with itself, and on the other, the War of Independence and its ripple effects on America in the background. The movie portrays superbly the hardships endured on the battlefield, and the war's effects on society; the corrupt politics, the different attitudes and mentality of English North American colonists during the war i.e. the Loyalists, the Continentals and the Neutrals.
It provides therefore, valuable insight into a very important period of American (and British) History. Specifically:
We get a taste (though a very light one) of what happened to those caught by the other side...
Moreover, we get to see or hear about, the double-crossing merchants, farmers, and politicians that supported whichever side the wind happened to be blowing in, always in search of profit and personal gain.
The clash between the Loyalist American English and the Continental American English, just like the one between the Continental American English and the British English is fascinating and very well presented throughout the film, but then so is the clash within the Continental side (the undermining, the personality clashes, favoritism, public relations, political connections), between Congress and the Army, as well as the farmers and most importantly the merchants profiteering at the expense of whoever/whichever side etc.
There is also the brave admission (by G. Washington) that the Continentals lack public support, and the important role that Washington played throughout the Revolution in keeping the Continentals "alive," long enough for the French (1778), Spaniards (1779), and Dutch (1780) to enter the war against Great Britain.
In addition, Washington talks about the Indians with contempt and in a patronizing way, underlining the traditional hatred between the lower class North American colonists and the natives (not a surprise considering the content of the Declaration of Independence: "the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions").
Moreover, Washington sends Arnold to Philadelphia to protect the Loyalist population from Joseph Reed, the bloodthirsty member of the Continental Congress from Pennsylvania, who wants to exact revenge on all those that do not support the rebellion. "One Loyalist shall hang every day for the next 500 days!" (Execute the owner and then conveniently confiscate their property.)
The film is also excellent in showing that Arnold among others (as Washington also admits) is no "saint," and clearly portrays his corruption through his encounter/business dealings with the merchant to whom he gave a commercial permit in exchange for 50% of his profits/goods.
Therefore, the movie successfully sheds light on aspects of American History that some would rather keep hidden "under the carpet."
As a result, Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor, is a daring movie, which shatters more than a few misconceptions, deliberate and not, surrounding attitudes towards the War of Independence, and provides for historical truths, which had been suppressed for long years in the name of "patriotism."
The only setback is in relation to Major David Franks; could his religion be more obvious??? What was the point of that? Why is it that one gets the feeling that this was more the result of "modern" influence...
In short, Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor is a movie definitely worth watching, and one to seriously consider adding to your movie collection, especially for those interested in History.
Strongly recommended along with Revolution starring Al Pacino.