The 1958 film The Proud Rebel is a Western drama directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Alan Ladd, Olivia de Havilland, and Dean Jagger. The film is about a Confederate veteran who struggles to make a new life for himself and his mute son in the post-Civil War North.
John Chandler (Ladd) is a former Confederate soldier who returns home from the war to find that his wife has been killed and his son, David (David Ladd), is mute. Chandler decides to move to Illinois to start a new life, but he is faced with prejudice and discrimination from the Northerners.
Chandler eventually finds a job as a farmhand for Linnett Moore (de Havilland), a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet. Chandler and Linnett develop a romantic relationship, but they are met with opposition from the locals, who do not approve of a Confederate veteran dating a Yankee woman.
Chandler's son, David, also struggles to adjust to his new life. He is bullied by the other children at school and he feels isolated and alone. However, David eventually finds a friend in Joshua (Jagger), a kindly old man who teaches him how to read and write.
*The Proud Rebel *is a moving and inspirational story about overcoming adversity and finding love and acceptance. It is a well-made film with excellent performances from the cast.
Here is a more detailed plot summary:
- John Chandler, a Confederate veteran, moves to Illinois to start a new life for himself and his mute son, David.
- Chandler finds a job as a farmhand for Linnett Moore, a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet.
- Chandler and Linnett develop a romantic relationship, but they are met with opposition from the locals, who do not approve of a Confederate veteran dating a Yankee woman.
- David also struggles to adjust to his new life, but he eventually finds a friend in Joshua, a kindly old man who teaches him how to read and write.
- Chandler eventually confronts the locals and stands up for his right to live in peace.
- David also finds his voice and is able to speak again.
In the end, Chandler and Linnett are able to start a new life together, and David is able to live a normal life.
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Cast
- Alan Ladd as John Chandler
- Olivia de Havilland as Linnett Moore
- Dean Jagger as Harry Burleigh
- David Ladd as David Chandler
- Cecil Kellaway as Dr. Enos Davis (Quaker)
- James Westerfield as Birm Bates
- Dean Stanton as Jeb Burleigh
- Thomas Pittman as Tom Burleigh
- Henry Hull as Judge Morley
- Eli Mintz as Mr. Gorman
- John Carradine as Traveling Salesman
- King as Lance, David's Dog
Uncredited:
- Percy Helton as Photographer
- Dan White as Court Clerk
- Mary Wickes as Mrs. Ainsley
Director: Michael Curtiz
Writers: Joseph Petracca, Lillie Hayward
Box Office Gross: $1.5 million
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Genre: Western, Drama, Romance
Release Date: May 28, 1958