Ten Gentlemen from West Point is a 1942 American Western film directed by Henry Hathaway and starring George Montgomery, Maureen O'Hara and John Sutton. Its cinematography was nominated for an Academy Award in 1943. George Montgomery replaced John Payne who was suffering an emotional upset at the time. The story tell a fictional story of the first class of the United States Military Academy in the early 1800s.
Contents
Plot
In the early 19th century, after a heated congressional debate, the United States Military Academy at West Point opens despite some doubting its worth - including the officer in charge, Major Sam Carter.
A number of men enlist in the first class, including rich Howard Shelton who arrived with his valet, Kentucky backwoodsman Joe Dawson and also a cadet who is trying to regain his family's honour because he happens to be a nephew of the American traitor Benedict Arnold. The men are initially antagonistic towards each other, especially when Joe falls for Howard's fiancé, Carolyn Brainbridge.
The men take part in the war against Tecumseh with William Henry Harrison.
Towards the end of the film, Major Sam Carter, mentions the names (which include images) of some of the real historical cadets who passed through the academy, including "cadets" Ulysses S. Grant, George Armstrong Custer and Douglas MacArthur.
Cast
George Montgomery as Joe Dawson
Maureen O'Hara as Carolyn Brainbridge
John Sutton as Howard Shelton
Laird Cregar as Maj. Sam Carter
Shepperd Strudwick as Henry Clay (as John Shepperd)
Victor Francen as Florimond Massey
Harry Davenport as Bane
Ward Bond as Sgt. Scully
Douglass Dumbrille as Gen. William Henry Harrison
Ralph Byrd as Maloney
Joe Brown Jr. as Benny Havens
David Bacon as Shippen
Esther Dale as Mrs. Thompson
Richard Derr as Chester
Louis Jean Heydt as Jared Danforth
Stanley Andrews as Captain Sloane
James Flavin as Captain Luddy
Edna Mae Jones as Letty
Charles Trowbridge as Senate president
Tully Marshall as Grandpa
Edwin Maxwell as Sen. John Randolph
Uno as Old Put (dog)
Edward Fielding as William Eustis
Production
The film was originally called School for Soldiers. It was meant to star Tyrone Power, then was given to Henry Fonda and John Payne. Henry Hathaway signed to direct and Ben Hecht was bought on to rewrite the script. Eventually Fonda and Payne withdrew and were replaced by George Montgomery and Randolph Scott. Maureen O'Hara and Victor Mature were meant to play other roles. Eventually John Payne replaced Randolph Scott - but then John Sutton replaced Payne.
The costumes were designed by Dolly Tree.
Reception
The film recorded a loss of $89,000.