Battle of Charleston:
The result of this battle marks the time transition from the opening exposition
(setup) of the movie to the main action of the movie. A dissolve between flags
carries the movie from 1776, following Gabriel
Martin's enlistment in the Continental army and Patriot hopes are high,
to 1780. In 1780 the tide has turned to the British side as Charlotte
Selton leaves the city just before the British take possession of Charleston.
The film's accuracy on this matter is ambiguous, since no dates beyond the year
are given. The shot of General
Cornwallis and Colonel
Tavington in the city could be taking place some time after the surrender
of the city. Perhaps after General Cornwallis has assumed command of British
operations in the South. When British took possession of Charleston, both General
Cornwallis and Lt.
Colonel Banastre Tarleton were in the South Carolina backcountry securing
support lines, while Lt.
General Sir Henry Clinton oversaw the siege and surrender.
