The Howards of Virginia (1940) in Color — Starring Cary Grant & Martha Scott

The Howards of Virginia (1940) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the sweeping American Revolution epic of The Howards of Virginia (1940) in color for just €15.00. Directed by Frank Lloyd, this grand historical drama stars Cary Grant as a Virginia patriot torn between revolution and family loyalty, alongside Martha Scott, Cedric Hardwicke, Alan Marshal, and Richard Carlson. Available now as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for instant viewing on any device.

Plot Summary

In colonial Virginia, Matt Howard (Cary Grant) is a rugged, self-made frontiersman from the backwoods who dreams of building a life on the frontier. His world changes dramatically when he meets and falls in love with Jane Peyton (Martha Scott), the refined daughter of one of Virginia’s oldest and wealthiest Tory families. Despite the vast social gulf between them, they marry — a union that brings Matt into the orbit of Virginia’s aristocratic elite.

Matt’s father-in-law, Fleetwood Peyton (Cedric Hardwicke), is a proud Loyalist who views the growing unrest against British rule with contempt. He expects Matt to adopt the family’s Tory values, but Matt’s frontier upbringing has given him an instinctive belief in independence and self-governance. As tensions between the colonies and the Crown escalate, Matt becomes drawn into the revolutionary movement, attending meetings with men like Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry.

The political conflict tears through the Howard family. Jane, raised to respect British authority and social order, is torn between loyalty to her husband and the values of her upbringing. Their children are divided — some siding with their father’s revolutionary ideals, others drawn to their grandfather’s Loyalist convictions. The intimate family drama mirrors the larger national crisis as neighbor turns against neighbor and old friendships splinter along political lines.

When war finally erupts, Matt joins the Continental Army, fighting at Valley Forge and through the brutal campaigns that define the American struggle for independence. The film traces his journey from frontier farmer to revolutionary soldier, showing how the personal sacrifices of ordinary people forged a new nation.

Cast & Crew

Director: Frank Lloyd

Stars: Cary Grant, Martha Scott, Cedric Hardwicke, Alan Marshal, Richard Carlson, Paul Kelly, Irving Bacon, Elisabeth Risdon, Tom Drake, Phil Taylor

Cary Grant brings his natural charisma and physical presence to the role of the frontier patriot, demonstrating dramatic depth beyond his famous comedic skills. Martha Scott, fresh from her Broadway triumph in Our Town, is compelling as the wife caught between two worlds. Sir Cedric Hardwicke provides formidable opposition as the implacable Tory patriarch.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized edition of The Howards of Virginia brings the colonial American landscape to majestic visual life. The lush Virginia countryside, the elegant plantation homes, the rustic frontier settlements, and the smoke-filled battlefields of the Revolution all gain rich, atmospheric color. The contrast between the refined Peyton estate and Matt’s rough frontier origins is powerfully visualized through color, reinforcing the film’s central themes of class and independence. Now also available in colour.

Buy your DRM-free MP4 copy today for just €15.00 and enjoy instant download access on any device.

Historical Significance

Released in 1940, The Howards of Virginia was a timely celebration of American independence as Europe plunged into World War II. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Art Direction and Best Sound Recording. Frank Lloyd, a two-time Oscar-winning director, brought epic scope to Elizabeth Page’s novel The Tree of Liberty. The film features Cary Grant in one of his rare dramatic historical roles. Through colorization, this patriotic epic is preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes, from original black-and-white
• Audio: Original English mono
• Runtime: 116 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Delivered immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this a good film for Cary Grant fans?
A: This is a fascinating opportunity to see Cary Grant in a dramatic historical role far removed from his famous romantic comedies. His natural physicality and charisma serve the frontier patriot character well, and the performance reveals aspects of his talent rarely seen.

Q: Is the film historically accurate?
A: While the Howard family is fictional, the film accurately portrays the political divisions in colonial Virginia and features real historical figures and events, including the American Revolution and the Valley Forge winter. It captures the genuine challenges faced by families divided by the revolutionary cause.

Q: How does this film compare to other American Revolution films?
A: It distinguishes itself by focusing on the domestic and personal impact of revolution rather than just military action. The family drama — where husband and wife, parents and children find themselves on opposite sides — gives the political conflict intimate, emotional weight.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file compatible with all major devices and media players.

Q: Is this download DRM-free?
A: Yes, the file has no digital rights management restrictions, so you can watch it on any device without limitations.

Q: How quickly will I receive my download?
A: Instantly — a download link appears on screen and is also sent to your email immediately after purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982)
• The Last of the Mohicans (1936)
• Dream Wife (1953)
• Monkey Business (1952)
• Room for One More (1952)