The Red, White, and Black (1970)
A forgotten gem of Black Western cinema, chronicling the real-life Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry on the post-Civil War Texas frontier.
The Red, White, and Black - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Red, White, and Black
- Release Year: 1970
- Directed by: John "Bud" Cardos
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 16, 1970 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Buffalo Soldiers (US), Soul Soldier (CA)
- Production Companies: Hirschman/Northern Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Red, White, and Black - Plot
Told by a U.S. Army colonel and his wife, this vintage Western set in post-Civil War Texas chronicles the exploits of the all-black 10th cavalry regiment, which was formed in 1871. Cesar Romero plays the unit's commander.
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The Red, White, and Black - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John "Bud" Cardos
Main Cast
- Rafer Johnson
- Robert DoQui
- Isaac Fields
- Barbara Hale
- Lincoln Kilpatrick
- Isabel Sanford
- Barbara Brown
- Robert Dix
- Cesar Romero
- David White
The Red, White, and Black - FAQs
Is The Red, White, and Black based on a true story?
Yes, the film draws on the real history of the Buffalo Soldiers — the all-black 10th Cavalry Regiment formed after the Civil War. The unit was a genuine part of U.S. Army history, and Col. Benjamin Grierson, portrayed by Cesar Romero, was its actual commanding officer.
Who are the main actors in The Red, White, and Black?
The cast features Rafer Johnson as Pvt. Armstrong, Robert DoQui as Eli Brown, Lincoln Kilpatrick as Sgt. Hatch, Barbara Hale as Mrs. Alice Grierson, Isabel Sanford as Isabel Taylor, and Cesar Romero as Col. Grierson, among others.
What is The Red, White, and Black about?
Set in post-Civil War Texas, the film follows the all-black 10th Cavalry Regiment — known as the Buffalo Soldiers — as they patrol the frontier. Narrated through an Army colonel and his wife, it blends action, romance, and a rarely told chapter of American military history.
Why were the 10th Cavalry called Buffalo Soldiers?
The nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” was given to the Black cavalrymen by Native American tribes they encountered on the frontier, reportedly because their fierce fighting spirit and dark curly hair reminded them of the buffalo. The men of the 10th Cavalry wore the name with pride.
When was The Red, White, and Black released?
The Red, White, and Black was released on December 16, 1970, in the United States. The film is also known under the alternative titles Buffalo Soldiers in the US and Soul Soldier in Canada.
Who directed The Red, White, and Black?
The film was directed by John "Bud" Cardos, a filmmaker and stuntman who worked across low-budget Westerns and genre pictures throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. He is perhaps best known for the cult horror film Kingdom of the Spiders (1977).
What are similar movies to The Red, White, and Black?
If you enjoy this film, you might also like Surrounded (2023), Buffalo Soldiers (1997), News of the World (2020), Butcher's Crossing (2023), The Great War (2019), and Pride of the Buffalo Soldier (2017) — all films that explore frontier history, Black soldiers, or the American West.
How long is The Red, White, and Black?
The Red, White, and Black runs for approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes (103 minutes). It's a full-length Western feature that gives plenty of room to explore the lives and struggles of the 10th Cavalry Regiment on the Texas frontier.
More About The Red, White, and Black
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