The Howards of Virginia (1940)

Director Frank Lloyd carries forward THE HOWARDS OF VIRGINIA, a grand historical epic about a Virginia couple from differing backgrounds during the Revolutionary War. Like Lloyd's other historical pieces, CAVALCADE and MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY, the film rings with an authenticity that will enchant history buffs. Leading man Cary Grant plays Matt Howard, a common man who gains employment as a surveyor through the help of Thomas Jefferson. Howard quickly falls head over heels for his wealthy employer's peach of a daughter, Jane Peyton (Martha Scott). The lovebirds appear to be set for a happily-ever-after ending until Matt becomes involved in politics and the War of Independence arrives. Matt and his two sons side with the rebels while Jane sides with the British. Based on Elizabeth Page's novel THE TREE OF LIBERTY, Lloyd's THE HOWARDS OF VIRGINIA spares no expense in offering the viewer ringside seats for the Boston Tea Party, the horrors of Valley Forge, and numerous other historical events from the colonial history of the United States.