Divided Loyalties (film)

Divided Loyalties is a 1990 Canadian historical drama film directed by Mario Azzopardi. The film recounts the true story of the Butler family during the American Revolutionary War, focusing on John Butler, a Loyalist leader, and his son, Walter Butler, who also played a controversial role in the conflict.

The film explores the complexities of the war and the internal conflicts experienced by families and communities torn apart by divided allegiances. John Butler, a respected figure in the Mohawk Valley, chooses to remain loyal to the British Crown, while many of his neighbors and even some members of his family sympathize with the American Patriots.

Walter Butler, portrayed as more impulsive and driven than his father, is particularly controversial due to his involvement in the Cherry Valley Massacre, an event that further inflamed tensions between Loyalists and Patriots.

Divided Loyalties aims to depict a nuanced perspective of the American Revolution, highlighting the human cost of war and the agonizing choices faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of political upheaval. It delves into themes of family, honor, and the moral dilemmas inherent in armed conflict, portraying the war not as a simple battle between good and evil, but as a complex struggle with profound consequences for all involved.

The film features actors such as Colm Feore as Walter Butler and Michael Hogan as John Butler. It was filmed in Canada and attempts to accurately represent the historical setting and events surrounding the Butler family's experiences. While taking some dramatic liberties, the film is generally regarded as a historically informed portrayal of the Butler family and their role in the American Revolutionary War.