Birth of a Patriot ~ Forging a General The opening of American General provides the backdrop for Arnold’s compelling story – both his childhood and formative years while growing up in Connecticut, where he worked to become one of the State’s most successful merchants. Beyond his humble origins, he transforms himself into one of our nation’s most-fervent Patriots and effective battlefield commanders and captures Fort Ticonderoga – America’s first victory of the Revolution. Fresh from his command in New York, Arnold is soon tasked by General Washington to attack neighboring Canada. From his notorious and harrowing march through the Maine wilderness to Quebec, and on to his building and command of America’s first navy on Lake Champlain, watch as Arnold becomes – in Washington’s words – “America’s Hannibal.” Liberty’s Last Defense ~ Tyranny Within Passed over for promotion, Arnold fends off attacks to his honor, lobbies Congress for more troop support, and battles enemies on and off the field. From his daring naval heroics at the Battle of Valcour Island to the Battle of Ridgefield, Arnold proves himself time-and-time again, until he once more heeds a call to action by General Washington. This time Arnold makes for Saratoga to halt the British advance, help salvage the Northern theater and keep a desperate America in the war. A Hero’s Final Charge ~ Betrayals Saratoga. Arnold’s career is seen in a microcosm in all its glory and despair. In winning the “Battle of the Millennium,” Arnold saves the day for America, but it leaves him wounded and crippled from another terrible injury to his leg. His stature is cemented as an incomparable, courageous leader of men – America’s “greatest fighting General” according to Washington. But cynicism and disillusionment with the Revolutionary leadership soon overtake the “true” hero of Saratoga. The film culminates by asking one of the most difficult and controversial questions in our nations history. Why would one of America’s greatest defenders of liberty, commit, what just a few years before, would have been unthinkable – treason? |
“"The Arnold story is at the core of developing a deepened and enriched understanding of what the American Revolution is all about.” |
James Kirby Martin, Author and Professor of History, University of Houston |
