It would be easier to understand the traitor
Benedict Arnold if he had been a coward or an opportunist or some
political friend of Congress. Benedict Arnold rose through the ranks as
a hero. Several of his bold efforts saved the revolution.
The film shows the friendship that developed
between George Washington and Benedict Arnold. It makes good use of the
drama that developed between General Arnold and the Congress. It also
has time for a love story. After his wife died, General Arnold was
assigned to Philadelphia. There he met and fell in love with Peggy
Shippen, the daughter of a family of British loyalist. The movie makes
good use of her influence on the General's course of action.
As a movie, it looks good. It could rate a C+ just
on being a good show. It even gives a viewer a little sympathy to
Arnold. You start to wonder how much did they change history to make the
movie.
Part of that answer is found on the DVD. Since the
movie is produced by Arts & Entertainment Television Networks, they
include a biography of Benedict Arnold. They have authoritative people
explain the impact Benedict Arnold had on history. They tell his life
story. This helps understand some comments in the film, such as when
his wife calls him "Benedict Arnold the Fifth." His dad was Benedict
Arnold III, his older brother Benedict Arnold IV. But when his older
brother died, the youngest became Benedict Arnold V.
Also on the DVD is how the film was made along with
the usual interviews of the actors. Aidan Quinn as Benedict Arnold,
Kelsey Grammer as George Washington, and Flora Montgomery who plays
Peggy Shippen. Flora is Irish but her British accent is convincing.
Aiden played in "Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone"
and I wish that were on DVD. Aiden shows a natural emotion in his
efforts. He makes the characters real. While Kelsey Grammer is best
known for comedy, this movie does show the serious and timely delivery
of speaking that helps Kelsey Grammer win awards.
