Original subtitles

♪ I see a land ♪

♪ With liberty for all ♪

♪ Yet still I know ♪

♪ The truth will rise and fall ♪

♪ Ooh yeah yeah ♪

♪ That's just the way it goes ♪

♪ A word now to the wise ♪

♪ The world was made to change ♪

♪ Each day is a surprise ♪

♪ I'm looking at life through my own eyes ♪

♪ I'm searching for a hero to id

♪ Feeling my pain as innocence d

♪ I'm looking at life with my ow

♪ I take my heart into battle ♪

♪ Give that freedom bell the rat

♪ Get my independence signed ♪

♪ Declare it on the dotted line

♪ Let Philadelphia freedom ring

♪ And patriotic voices sing ♪

♪ Red white and blue never give

♪ You represent America ♪

♪ Hoping and praying for a brigh

♪ I listen to my heart and I obe

♪ How can I see it any other way

♪ I'm looking at life ♪

♪ Looking at life ♪

♪ Through my own eyes ♪

(bombs explode)

(ominous orchestral music)

- [Announcer] Here are some exciting scenes

from today's episode of Liberty'

- What are the terms our American spy presents to us?

- Sir, with all due respect, this is an unacceptable risk.

(bombs explode)

- Should I pose as John Anderson as he suggests,

and be captured,

I'll not be treated as a prisoner of war, but as a spy.

And as you know, sir, captured spies are hanged.

(horse hooves clop)

- [Sarah Voiceover] Dearest Moth

The war for our independence ends its fifth year

with the Americans losing in the

The British took Charleston, and

over 5,000 American soldiers.

From his stronghold in New York,

British Commander General Clinton controls the coast.

Only the fortifications at West Point stop him

from using the Hudson River to cleave the states in two.

General Washington tries valiant

to gain ground in New York, but we are at a stalemate.

To make matters worse, there is constant talk of spies.

Just the other day, James told us of his conspiracy theory.

- Sarah!

(groans) James says there's only one explanation

as to why things are going badly for General Washington.

- And what might that be, James?

- Spies.

- Spies?

What proof of that could you possibly have?

- What happened when General Was

planned to attack Sir Henry Clinton in New York?

- Nothing happened.

- Exactly, because of Clinton's sudden counter moves

that could only have taken place

if the English had secret inside information.

- Makes sense to me.

- [Female Voiceover] If James were correct,

which I hope he is not,

the spy would have to be someone in a trusted position

close to General Washington.

And I cannot imagine who could be so disloyal

to such a noble person and such a noble cause.

(horse neighs)

(dramatically orchestrated music

(light orchestral music)

- My husband, the hard-working Commander of West Point.

- All thanks to being wounded in the service of America

and never rewarded for it by Con

When Congress sees fit to invest

while rewarding the likes of General Gates,

they corrupt the ideals of the r

(horse hooves clop)

(horses neigh)

- I'm so excited about the story I am covering.

General Benedict Arnold, the hero of the Battle of Saratoga,

is in command of the strategical important West Point.

- So?

- So?

I was there, at Washington's hea

when he got command.

- Benedict, I have great news.

I would like you to take command

of the left wing of my army.

- It is too great a prize for one as unworthy as I.

- Nonsense!

You earned it.

There is no general more valiant leading his men

in the field of battle.

- I cannot, as much as I wish to, accept so high an honor.

I'm afraid the old wounds will not allow it.

My leg is too bothersome to allow me to ride,

much less endure the hardships o

- You are too good a friend, Ben

and too valuable a general to be wasted in Philadelphia.

- Perhaps I could serve in another capacity,

one less strenuous than a field

- Hmmm, I can't think of any.

- West Point!

(clears throat) Excuse me, Gener

it's just the command of West Point is available,

and you yourself have spoken of its importance.

- True.

With it, we control the Hudson R

and keep the British bottled up in New York City.

- Lose it, and the British are free to travel

the Hudson River.

- Then I'd best put my best general in charge

to secure the fort and the war.

The job is yours.

- You do me a great honor.

(dramatically orchestrated music

- Let's see, a story about Bened

sitting around commanding a fort

versus one about spies on Washington's staff.

- At least my story isn't a figment of my imagination.

- We'll see what you think

after I get back from talking to Colonel Livingston.

(light orchestral music)

- When spies write messages,

they do it so only other spies can read it.

- How?

- Sometimes they use invisible i

- Oh, I love invisible ink!

It shows up when you heat it.

- Right.

Others use a piece of paper with holes in it.

See?

If you read only the words you can see in the holes,

you get the secret message.

Sometimes they write their message in coded numbers

that refer to a specific page, sentence, and word in a book.

The person who gets the coded nu

has a copy of the same book.

- Oh.

So they use the numbers to find the words, and voila!

It spells out the secret message

- Mmm-hmm.

Then there is the mast clip.

Anyone reading the regular lette

doesn't know there's a secret message hidden in the writing.

- How's it work?

- Simple.

The spy knows he's only supposed

what he sees inside the cutout, in this case an hourglass.

- Magnifique!

But I will invent the unbreakable Henri code.

Paper, paper, I need paper!

- Colonel Livingston.

- What do I know about spies?

That's a good question.

For one thing, I know they like to sneak back and forth

across the no man's land,

between our outpost and those of the English Army.

- Who controls the no man's land

- Two groups, from opposing side

The Cowboys for the English,

and the Skinners for the America

- They sound scary.

- They say they're helping our c

by intercepting suspicious perso

who might be coming into New Yor

- I'd like to meet these Skinner

Maybe I can learn something about spies from them.

- Personally, I think they're most interested

in stealing money from travelers

but if you're determined,

I'll give you a pass for safe pa

What's this gibberish?

- Excuse moi.

I was practicing my secret code.

(sticks rattle)

(light orchestral music)

- General Washington, I expect you're pleased

to have Benedict Arnold command the fort at West Point.

- Yes, if only I had 10 more Benedict Arnolds,

maybe then I could overcome British advantages

of manpower and supplies in the

- With all respect, sir, you see

- It is my job to worry.

But no more of it, for I insist you join me for breakfast

at General Arnold's house.

- It would be a pleasure.

(ominous orchestral music)

(footsteps crush leaves)

- I've got to relax.

I'm sure I will come across a Sk

before I meet a Cowboy.

(dramatically orchestrated music

- So, Major Andre,

what are the terms our American spy presents to us?

- One moment please, sir.

There, I finished deciphering th

Perhaps, General Clinton, you should read it for yourself.

- So, he wishes to meet you in p

at Sheldon's headquarters in Low

with you disguised as John Ander

- Sir, with all due respect, this is an unacceptable risk.

Should I pose as John Anderson as he suggests,

and be captured,

I'll not be treated as a prisoner of war, but as a spy.

And as you know, sir, captured spies are hanged.

- Yes, you're right.

It's too hazardous.

But if we exchange information with couriers

at a slower pace, we increase th

that the Americans will learn of our plans.

Your spy must be in a hurry to be paid before that happens.

- He leaves us few options.

I'd better go to meet him.

But I will travel in my uniform.

- I will make arrangements for your passage and return

on the Vulture, this very night.

- Eureka!

The secret Henri code!

Colonel Livingston, I am almost

Want to try and break my secret

- Not now.

We spotted an English ship on the river off Teller's Point.

I ordered my cannon to fire when they get into position.

(cannon fires)

- (gasps) I'd say they're there.

(cannon fires)

- There!

- We're spotted!

- Raise the midline!

(bell rings)

(waves crash)

(bomb explodes)

- She got away!

(owl hoots)

- Just an owl.

Aaah!

- Going somewhere?

- Ahhh, unh.

- Come lads!

(dramatically orchestrated music

- We meet at last, Major Andre.

- Major General Arnold,

- I trust your journey was witho

- So far.

Do you realize, sir,

the dangerous position you have

by asking me to meet you here?

You had better have a good reaso

for such an imprudent demand.

- Oh, I have many good reasons.

After the American Congress failed to give me

the promotions I deserved,

they accused me of misusing thei

- Perhaps it will make you feel

to know you shall be given a rank and commission

in the British Army befitting a General of your talents.

- And the 20,000 pounds?

- Your new loyalty commands a high price, but we agree.

- Thank you.

Sadly, I find myself deeply in d

due to some ill-fated business v

and my wife's lavish lifestyle.

- My regards to your wife.

I have not had the pleasure of s

since our occupation of Philadel

- Ah, yes.

Peggy never really lost her fond

for the crown and Mother England

- She's not alone in her affection for His Majesty.

There are a great many loyalists

- And I expect there will be a great many more

when they hear of my defection.

We all know the war goes badly

for the Americans in the South.

I, for one, believe you British will be victorious,

and I'd like to be on the winnin

- May we get to the point?

Every moment I delay increases t

of my being discovered.

- Sir, I give you victory.

These are plans to the fortifications at West Point,

along with the placement of the troops under my command,

and my promise to further weaken the garrison

by sending most of the troops to the countryside,

information I'm sure General Cli

will find useful when he attacks

- Sir, a victory at West Point allows us control

of the Hudson River, and the chance to win the war

by splitting the rebel colonies

- Exactly.

- And you get?

- Everything I asked for.

(dramatically orchestrated music

- Who be ye?

Loyalist or patriot?

- I'm a journalist from Ben Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette.

- A journalist, huh?

We don't see many of them out he

But you still didn't answer my q

- I have a pass from Colonel Liv

I'm looking for some Skinners.

- Why didn't you say so?

We're Skinners.

- Whew!

For a minute there, I thought you might be Cowboys.

- (laughs) Huh, for a minute we thought you were a spy,

and you know what we do to them.

(fist knocks on door)

(footsteps echo)

(door hinges creak)

(fist knocks on door)

(footsteps echo)

(door hinges creak)

- Major Andre.

- My ship, the Vulture, sailed w

She was driven upstream by American troops.

- You shall have to return to the British lines

by traveling over land.

- General, are you mad?

I'm behind the American lines, y

- No longer.

When I gave you the plans to West Point last night,

I would say that I officially switched sides.

- The point is, I'm wearing a British Officer's uniform.

How long do you think it will be before I'm spotted?

- Here, take this pass.

This area's under my command.

My signature will guarantee safe passage to you

as American Agent John Anderson.

There are some civilian clothes piled on that bench.

You can change into those.

- If I pose as an American in civilian clothes,

and I'm discovered, I'll be treated as a spy.

- It's your decision.

- Hmmm, though I fear capture dressed as an American,

I fear the chance of being spotted in this uniform

poses the greater risk.

- I think the plans to West Poin

are less likely to be spotted in this boot,

than in a pouch bearing the seal of His Majesty.

- So, how did all of you come to be Skinners?

I mean, there are those who say Skinners are just bandits.

- We're here to hunt down Cowboys or catch spies,

which we can't do with your continual jabbering.

(horse neighs)

Shhh.

You hear that?

(horse hooves clop)

- Hear what?

- Now!

Halt, or we shoot!

(horse neighs)

- I'm a British Officer.

I trust you are Cowboys loyal to

and will let me pass.

- Well, you're wrong, Redcoat.

We're Skinners, loyal to America

We're hunting Cowboys and spies.

- Oh, well, I just said I was a British Officer

because I thought you were Cowbo

by your hessian jacket, sir.

- Oh, this?

I was a prisoner a few days back

and I grabbed it when I escaped.

- Actually, my name is John Anderson, and I'm an American.

I have a pass signed by General

- I'm not interested in your pas

I'm interested in where your mon

- I thought you said you weren't

- We're gonna see if he has any English coin on him.

I mean, that'd prove he was an English Officer, wouldn't it?

- I...I guess.

- Boys.

(Skinner groans)

Hmmm, a gold and silver watch, but no money.

Check his boots.

- Gentlemen, there's no need to look (groans).

(papers flutter)

- What have we got here?

The way I read it, looks to be some sort of plan

of West Point.

You're a journalist.

What do you make of it?

- These are the plans to West Point, all right.

But what's he doing with 'em?

(gong echoes)

- Your suspicions were correct,

These are plans of West Point,

and there appeared to be notatio

telling how to render the fortifications useless.

Holding, I want you to take this man, these papers,

and this message to General Arno

- I'm sure General Arnold can straighten this out.

- Not so fast.

Jameson, am I to understand that this man was carrying plans

of the fortifications at West Po

- Yes, sir.

- You don't find that suspicious

I do.

I want those papers sent with a

to General Washington, that we are holding a man as a spy.

- Spy?

- If he's spy, then he must be communicating

with someone close to Washington

My theory.

I was right!

- I pray your so-called theory i

for if these papers were indeed written by Arnold's hand,

then that would make Benedict Arnold a traitor as well.

- This is terrible.

I've got to find Sarah.

- Gentlemen, please, have some b

Aides to General Washington are always welcome

at the Arnold breakfast table.

- She's right, gentlemen.

I may be a General, but I never, ever argue with my wife.

Thank you, Samantha.

Ah, it's a message from Talmadge

- Oh, and Samantha, please prepare some more food.

General Washington and a guest will be arriving shortly.

(Benedict gasps)

Benedict, what is it?

- Something's come up, dear.

We must talk upstairs.

Gentlemen, if you'll excuse us for a moment.

Quick, close the door.

- Benedict, what is--

- I must leave immediately.

My life depends on it.

- Leave?

Benedict, you're scaring me.

- I don't have time to explain.

I gave the plans of West Point to Major Andre.

- What for?

John's involved with you in some

- Yes, he's been caught.

It won't be long before Washingt

I've betrayed America to the Bri

and they come to arrest me.

- This is terrible.

What should I do?

- Say you know nothing of any of

- Benedict.

- I love you, but I must go, now

I'll be in contact.

- I'll do what I can to help.

(orchestral music)

- Good morning, General Arnold.

General Washington has given me the pleasure of joining you.

(horse neighs)

- Ya!

(horse hooves gallop)

(Peggy sighs)

- What's happened?

- It must have been the eggs in the pancake batter.

There, I'm feeling better alread

- Why did General Arnold ride off just now?

- Sarah!

The spy who's been telling the British everything?

It's Benedict Arnold!

(Sarah gasps)

(dramatically orchestrated music

- Arnold has betrayed us.

Whom can we trust now?

Selling the plans to West Point for 20,000 pounds!

I want the Army on marching aler

Bring all troops from the surrounding countryside

to West Point, and prepare to be

- Now we know why Arnold begged

for command of West Point.

- He even spread our soldiers ou

to make them vulnerable to attac

All the lives he's jeopardized.

All the people he's betrayed.

General Washington, who supporte

His men, who died for him.

- And you, Sarah.

You traveled with him.

You respected him.

- I was inspired by him.

He seemed so thrilled when I told him I'd become a patriot.

I wonder if he'd already become

Is that what I am, James?

A traitor to my country?

- This is your country.

- Why is it noble for me to turn to the Americans' side,

but evil when he defects to the

- You did it for liberty.

Arnold did it for money, and amb

And he didn't care who would suf

so he could get them.

- Yes.

I did it for liberty.

And I write for liberty too.

I've written many stories for th

about General Arnold.

And now, James, for liberty, I shall write another.

(dramatically orchestrated music

(light orchestral music)

- [Sarah Voiceover] We have all been betrayed

by Benedict Arnold.

Those of us who knew of him, and those of us who knew him.

(guns fire)

- Follow me to victory!

- [Sarah Voiceover] Some think the treachery

of such a great soldier

would cause us to lose heart, and give up our fight.

But I know it will not,

because we do not fight for Benedict Arnold.

(bomb explodes)

We do not even fight for George Washington.

We fight for freedom.

And that cause is bigger than an

- Sarah! James! Moses!

I've got it!

A secret letter code that General Washington can use.

- And the British won't be able to figure it out?

- Nope.

Regardé.

See?

Just an ordinary letter.

Now watch.

You just read what isn't covered by your hand.

Isn't it amazing?

- It's amazing, all right.

There's just one problem.

What if the person trying to read your coded letter

has a bigger hand than you, like

- Dear...I am...a pest?

- Oh, I didn't think of that.

(lively orchestral music)

(all laugh)

(dramatically orchestrated music

("Through My Own Eyes" by Aaron

♪ Looking at life through my own

♪ I'm searching for a hero to id

♪ Feeling my pain as innocence d

♪ I'm looking at life with my ow

♪ I take my heart into battle ♪

♪ Give that freedom bell a rattl

♪ Get my independence signed ♪

♪ Declare it on the dotted line

♪ Red white and blue never give

♪ You represent America ♪

- [Several Children] Cookie jar!

(children laugh)