Divided Loyalties (film)

Divided Loyalties
GenreDrama
Written byPeter Jobin
Directed byMario Azzopardi
StarringJack Langedijk
Tantoo Cardinal
Theme music composerJohn Kim Bell
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersGerry Rochon
Tom Gould
CinematographyVic Sarin
EditorTony Lower
Running time102 minutes
Production companyHistory Productions
Original release
NetworkCTV
ReleaseFebruary 13, 1990 (1990-02-13)
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

Divided Loyalties is a Canadian historical drama television film, directed by Mario Azzopardi and broadcast by CTV in 1990.[1] The film stars Jack Langedijk as Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, portraying his "divided loyalties" between British and American allies during the American Revolutionary War, and Tantoo Cardinal as his sister Molly Brant.[2]

The cast also includes Denis Lacroix, Chris Wiggins, Robert Bidaman, John Bourgeois, Jon Granik, Yvan Labelle, Dale Wilson, Lisa LaCroix, Raoul Trujillo, August Schellenberg, Neil Dainard, George Touliatos, Kennetch Charlette, Richard Maracle, Vern Harper and Troy Martin.

The film faced some criticism for casting the non-indigenous Langedijk in the lead, with Cardinal admitting that she had reservations about appearing in the film on that basis, but stating that she decided to accept the role after carefully examining the script and concluding that it represented a sincere effort to respectfully depict the First Nations experience.[2] Azzopardi, however, disowned the film after Baton Broadcasting deemed its original edit not broadcast-worthy, and re-edited it in advance of the broadcast.[3]

The film was broadcast by CTV on February 13, 1990.[4]

  1. ^ Antonia Zerbisias, "Divided Loyalties uncovers roots of 'old Indian feeling'". Toronto Star, February 11, 1990.
  2. ^ a b Mike Boone, "Brant saga lives up to its potential in CTV blockbuster". Montreal Gazette, February 13, 1990.
  3. ^ John Haslett Cuff, "Director, producers at loggerheads over final edit of Divided Loyalties". The Globe and Mail, February 3, 1990.
  4. ^ Lee Bacchus, "'Our' history reeks of Hollywood". The Province, February 14, 1990.