Grizzled Honore had Patriotic sympathies, but surviving Brandywine dampened his fervor. He also had personal responsibilities to tend. First and foremost was reclaiming custody of Miles, the son he hardly knows. That is a long, tragic backstory that will be revealed over time. Regardless, Honore largely made his own separate piece, until Miles finds a dead Continental soldier on his father’s property.
Except, Abner is only “mostly dead.” He still has some breath left in him, and even starts to recover a bit after resting in Honore’s cabin. However, Roberts and his men were hunting Abner and his comrades, for reasons they wish to keep out of official reports. Nevertheless, Roberts still believes officers should act like gentlemen, at least to some extent. In contrast, his junior officer, Wallace, is a sadist who prefers scorched earth tactics.
Since Thomas, Honore’s every-man-for-himself neighbor, led the Redcoats right to Honore’s farm, Roberts and Wallace inevitably discover he is sheltering Abner. This leads to a standoff, with the Patriots at a clear tactical disadvantage. Regardless, Honore’s first priority is protecting Miles.
1780 is small but resourceful film that boils down the Revolutionary War to a microcosmic level. PJ Marshall is terrific as Honore, following in the taciturn but charismatic tradition of Clint Eastwood and Gary Cooper. He inspires confidence, especially when aiming a musket. Kevin Spcaey (whose presence should not be begrudged, since he was vindicated in a UK court of law), is a little shticky as slimy Thomas, but he is probably still somewhat out of practice.
Ultimately, 1780 is an overachieving film that vividly contrasts the lives and values of American Patriots with those of the occupying Redcoats. There is an even better Revolutionary War film coming, but this one still represents a good start to the pre-250 festivities. Enthusiastically recommended, 1780 is now available on VOD.
