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Poster for Sergeant Rutledge

Sergeant Rutledge

Seen it?

1960 | 111 min | Western, Crime, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Bad Day at Black Rock or Hud, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 51 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1960: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Respected black cavalry Sergeant Brax Rutledge stands court-martial for raping and killing a white woman and murdering her father, his superior officer.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    91% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 34K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Ford

  • Jeffrey HunterLt. Tom Cantrell
  • Woody Strode1st Sgt. Braxton Rutledge
  • Constance TowersMary Beecher
  • Billie BurkeMrs. Cordelia Fosgate
  • Juano HernándezSgt. Matthew Luke Skidmore
  • Willis BoucheyCol. Otis Fosgate - president of the court-martial
  • Carleton YoungCapt. Shattuck - prosecutor
  • Judson PrattLt. Mulqueen (court-martial board member)
  • Chuck RobersonCourt-Martial Board Member (uncredited)
  • Chuck HaywardCapt. Dickinson (uncredited)