The Scarlet Coat

The Scarlet Coat

Year: 1955

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: John Sturges

WarHistoryDramaAdventure

Behind the story of Benedict Arnold were secrets until recently unknown An American officer goes undercover to unmask a Revolutionary War traitor.

The Scarlet Coat (1955) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Scarlet Coat (1955) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the waning days of the Revolutionary War, a fragile peace hangs over the Hudson Valley as armies clash and loyalties blur. The film immerses the viewer in a world of smoky taverns, moonlit river crossings, and cramped military headquarters, where the thunder of cannon fire is matched only by the whisper of secret messages. The mood is taut and atmospheric, blending the grit of battlefield strategy with the uneasy suspense of covert operations, all underscored by the looming shadow of betrayal that could alter the course of a nation.

At the heart of this tension is Major John Bolton, a disciplined counter‑intelligence officer whose quiet determination sets him apart in a sea of restless soldiers. Charged with protecting the fledgling Republic, he finds himself drawn into a labyrinth of intrigue that forces him to walk the thin line between patriot and spy. His resolve is tested by the enigmatic presence of General Benedict Arnold, whose reputation as a commander masks deeper, hidden currents that the audience is invited to question.

Supporting figures add layers of complexity to Bolton’s mission. Gen. Robert Howe serves as the pragmatic overseer of the Continental forces, offering counsel that balances duty with the harsh realities of war. The scholarly yet enigmatic Dr. Jonathan Odell provides a glimpse into the intellectual underpinnings of the conflict, while Major John André embodies the sophisticated, aristocratic side of the British intelligence network, hinting at a world where honor and deception intersect. Amidst the espionage, the spirited Sally Cameron navigates her own precarious position, and the earnest young stablehand Ben Potter represents the innocence caught in the crossfire of larger schemes.

Together, these characters animate a narrative that is as much about personal conviction as it is about national destiny. The film invites the audience to linger over the uneasy alliances, the whispered codes, and the quiet moments of doubt that define an officer’s perilous journey to uncover a traitor hidden within the very ranks meant to defend liberty.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:30

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Historical espionage movies like The Scarlet Coat

Undercover agents navigate a web of treachery where one mistake means death.If you liked the tense undercover mission in The Scarlet Coat, you'll enjoy these similar historical spy thrillers. This list features movies with high-stakes espionage, moral ambiguity, and the dangerous world of double agents set against the backdrop of pivotal wars and historical conflicts.

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Stories in this thread typically follow an agent embedded in enemy territory, forced to deceive and manipulate to gather intelligence or unmask a traitor. The plot is driven by close calls, shifting allegiances, and the immense psychological toll of deception, often building to a climax where the operative's cover is critically threatened.

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These films are grouped by their shared focus on the mechanics and morality of spying within a historical context. They deliver a consistent vibe of high-tension anxiety, rooted in the real-world consequences of betrayal and the grim realities of war.

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Stories where fulfilling a duty comes at a deep personal or moral price.For viewers who appreciated the complex moral landscape and bittersweet ending of The Scarlet Coat, this list collects films exploring the heavy price of honor. These dramas and thrillers focus on characters whose sacrifices for duty lead to profoundly mixed and emotionally resonant conclusions.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist committed to a cause, who is tested by moral gray areas and personal attachments. The journey culminates in a resolution that secures the mission's objective but leaves emotional scars or ethical quandaries, resulting in a victory that feels hollow or philosophically costly.

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This thread connects films through their shared exploration of sacrifice and the complex, often painful, outcomes of adhering to one's principles. They deliver a heavy emotional weight and a consistently bittersweet tone, focusing on the nuanced aftermath of difficult choices.

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The Scarlet Coat Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Scarlet Coat

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Scarlet Coat

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