The Howards of Virginia (The Tree of Liberty) (1940)

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(381 ratings)

Hollywood films about the Revolutionary War almost invariably lost money at the box office, and The Howards of Virginia was no exception, despite the presence of Cary Grant in the lead. Most of the story takes place in the colonial capital city of Williamsburg, Virginia, where Matt Howard (Cary… More Hollywood films about the Revolutionary War almost invariably lost money at the box office, and The Howards of Virginia was no exception, despite the presence of Cary Grant in the lead. Most of the story takes place in the colonial capital city of Williamsburg, Virginia, where Matt Howard (Cary Grant) dedicates himself to the causes of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Remaining faithfully at Matt's side through his early years as a frontiersman and on into his life among the "landed gentry" is his wife Jane Peyton Howard (Martha Scott), the sister of unregenerate royalist Fleetwood Peyton (Cedric Hardwicke). Most of the high points of the Revolution are herein recreated, including the Stamp Act riots, the Boston Tea Party, and Patrick Henry's "Give me Liberty" speech. Curiously, however, director Frank Lloyd stages these scenes in a flat, near-throwaway fashion; even the inflammatory Henry (Richard Gaines) is hampered by unimaginative camera angles. Other historical personages parading through the film include Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, played respectively by Richard Carlson and George Houston. Though it's rather rough sledding in its feature-length version, The Howards of Virginia plays quite well in the half-hour abridgement prepared by Columbia for schoolroom showings. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Frank Lloyd
Written By: Sidney Buchman
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1940 Wide
On DVD: Mar 25, 2003

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This was on very late the other night, so I watched most of it, but I didn't get to see the end, I was too tired. Grant is energetic and sexy in this historic film of a man who is pursuing his dreams in America, and the wife from an aristocratic background that conflicts with… More
This was on very late the other night, so I watched most of it, but I didn't get to see the end, I was too tired. Grant is energetic and sexy in this historic film of a man who is pursuing his dreams in America, and the wife from an aristocratic background that conflicts with his lifestyle. I liked this movie so far, but I really need to see how it ends, I hope they play it again sometime.

Cast

            Cary Grant as Matt Howard

            Martha Scott as Jan Peyton-Howard

            Cedric Hardwicke as Fleetwood Peyton

            Alan Marshal as Roger Peyton

            Richard Carlson as Thomas Jefferson

            Paul Kelly as Captain Jabez Allen

            Irving Bacon as Tom Norton

            Elizabeth Risdon as Aunt Clarissa

            Anne Revere as Mrs. Betsy Norton

            Richard Alden as James Howard

            Phil Taylor as Peyton Howard at 18

            Rita Quigley as Mary Howard at 17

            Libby Taylor as Dicey

            Richard Gaines as Patrick Henry

            George Houston as George Washington

            Ralph Byrd as James Howard

            Dick Jones as Matt Howard at Age 12

            Buster Phelps as Thomas Jefferson at Age 11

            Wade Boteler as Uncle Reuben

            Mary Field as Susan Howard

            Charles Francis as Mr. Douglas

            Lane Chandler as Major

            Peter Cushing
            
            J. Anthony Hughes as Tidewater Representative

            Brandon Hurst as Wilton

            Olaf Hytten as Gentleman

            Alan Ladd as Neighbor

            Sam McDaniel as Uncle Robert the Butler

            Virginia Sale as Neighbor

            Emmett Vogan as Representative

            James Westerfield as Friend

            Pat Somerset
            
            Tom Drake as James Howard at Age 16

            Elisabeth Risdon
            
            Jane Peyton-Howard
            
See full cast