After my post on World War II films, people started asking me about films on the Revolutionary War. Here are my recommendations.
Again, they are in no particular order.
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1)
John Adams (2008)
This miniseries was extraordinary-- factual, real, gritty and emotional. The scenes in the Continental Congress should be a must see for any student of American history. (I would just suggest caution for younger viewers for 3 scenes in particular-- one when a man is being tarred (nudity), one when John and Abigail are united after much time apart and another when their daughter is undergoing a lumpectomy without anesthesia)
2)
Independence (1976)
This wonderful film, available on
YouTube for free, was shown to visitors to Independence National Historic Park for decades. It is about an half-hour long, which is perfect for the attention span of students. It has an impressive star-studded cast and was made for the Bicentennial. Very well done and shot on location in Philadelphia. I showed it to my students for many years.
3)
April Morning (1988)
This film was taken from the Howard Fast novel of the same name. The action takes place on April 18-19, 1775 in Lexington, Massachusetts; the afternoon before the battle of Lexington through the evening of the day of battle. The tension builds as the British army marches into view. The viewer sees a boy become a man as he takes his place among the men on Lexington green and fights throughout the fateful day. The arguments between the men as to why they should, or should not, stand up to the British army explain well the conflict of principles being discussed in 1775. Excellent film with Tommy Lee Jones and Chad Lowe.
4) Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)
Based on the novel by Walter D. Edmonds. This visually appealing film is set in the Mohawk Valley of upstate New York. There, the frontier settlers are not facing a red-coated enemy but rather the dark and sinister forces of the Tories and Indians bent on destruction of the settlers and their settlements. The feel for the time and place are outstanding. It is also great entertainment. The film is excellent and can be watched time and time again. If you like the film you’ll love the book.
5) Johnny Tremain (1957)
This is a Disney film taken from the Esther Forbes novel of the same name. While perhaps considered a film for young adults in 1957 it is far better historically than one would expect. The action takes place in and around Boston before the war and ends after Lexington-Concord. Interspersed in the film are various scenes where knowledgeable characters explain what is going on politically so the viewer understands the implications he is witnessing. In particular one should pay attention to the philosophical explanations made by the James Otis character. He spells out the repercussions of the revolution for 1775 and the impact of the revolution for future generations. This is a fine film and the book is even better.
This is Mount Vernon's feature presentation.
Also available on YouTube.
Facing one of the darkest moments of the American Revolution, learn how Gen. George Washington and his brave Continental army fought and defeated the British and Hessians at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton in 1776 and 1777. This cutting edge presentation combines live action footage with animated map displays that show how Washington's bold advances led to victory.
7)
The Crossing (2003)- (at the time of writing this post, it is available for only $6.39!)
The Crossing is a stirring dramatization of General George Washington's surprise attack on the British Army's German mercenaries and the Battle of Trenton. Based on the book by Howard Fast, The Crossing brings to life Washington's historic passage across the Delaware on Christmas night, 1776 and the lopsided fight that followed. Stars Jeff Daniels. Very well done.
This riveting eight-hour miniseries stars Barry Bostwick as George Washington – the initially reluctant first American President who remains a symbol of diplomacy and strength to this day. Bostwick is accompanied by screen legend Patty Duke who plays the inimitable Martha Washington.
Chronicling Washington’s life from age 11 to age 51, this unparalleled biopic of the America hero is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography by James Thomas Flexner.
Nominated for six Primetime Emmys, the series explores key moments in Washington's life and career, including his involvement in the French and Indian War, the coming and commencement of the Revolutionary War, and the victory of the Independence from England.
9)
Benedict Arnold- A Question of Honor (2002)
The most sullied figure of the American Revolution receives partial redemption in Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor. Produced for the A&E network, this factual drama reveals the lesser-known circumstances of Arnold's dishonor, beginning in 1777 and chronicling his fall from greatness. The conquering hero of Saratoga and other victories of the Revolution finds himself in an impossible predicament, his allegiance torn between his British loyalist wife (Jane Brennan) and his paternally devoted commander, George Washington (Kelsey Grammer), as his Colonial detractors cast him into a tragic no-win scenario. Authentically detailed and blessed by playwright William Mastrosimone's poetic period dialogue, Benedict Arnold successfully explores the personal and political facets of a great soldier's downfall. Aidan Quinn's expressive melancholy perfectly suits his title role, and Grammer transcends Frasier, lending appropriate gravitas--and some physical resemblance--to his portrayal of America's future president. Like A&E's earlier film The Crossing, this is compelling historical drama, entertaining, intelligent, and emotionally complex.
10) Liberty- Heroes of the American Revolution- (1997) (at the time of this post, available for only $9.29)
This collection puts a human face on the legendary men who forged American independence; despite their accomplishments, they were distinctly fallible. Henry Rollins takes preconceived notions about these titans even further, turning them on their ear in "10 Things You Don't Know About", "The Founding Fathers" and "Benjamin Franklin". From bitter rivalries and spy games to bankrupt presidents, these are the facts you wished you'd learned in school. Learn intriguing and little-known facts about Ben Franklin, including the eccentricities that helped him save the American Revolution. And finally, in "Paul Revere: 'The Midnight Rider'", explore the life of one of the most famous revolutionaries to reveal that he was also a skilled artisan, an ambitious businessman, a dentist, and a political cartoonist.
It is 1775. Henry Felder, a Swiss-German colonist, lives with his family in the backcountry of the British colony of South Carolina. However, he and his community are suffering under British injustice. After many years of struggling with corrupt British rulers, Felder is urged by the new patriot governor to write Articles of Separation from the English King. Felder's old Indian fighting comrade, Bill Jenkins forms a Tory militia to assist the Crown as the fight heats up. Felder raises his own militia, including a woman tavern owner who gathers a patriot spy ring. In the ensuing struggles, Felder and his family discover the cost of freedom.
This film was independently produced to very high standards. It is one of the few films to depict the nature of the war in the South being Tory vs. Whig, neighbor against neighbor. Large battles were rare, small skirmishes and ambushes were very common. The film is visually very appealing and beautifully filmed. The conflicts and tough decisions citizens had to make are made clear. The action scenes are realistic and not obsessively violent. The feel of the 1770’s is very successfully depicted. Recommended. We enjoyed it.
It takes a spy to catch a spy in this rousing Revolutionary War adventure directed by John Sturges and starring Cornel Wilde, Michael Wilding, Anne Francis and George Sanders. When top-secret military information is recovered from the body of a spy, American counter-intelligence officer Major John Bolton (Wilde) realizes there’s a highly placed turncoat in the ranks. Posing as a deserter, Bolton plays a dangerous game as he pretends to work for the British while attempting to ferret out the traitor’s name. Shot by Academy Award winning cinematographer Paul C. Vogel (Battleground, 1949) on locations in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, New York, The Scarlet Coat is M-G-M at its swashbuckling best, an action-packed tale of duty, betrayal and honor.
A reluctant South Carolina farmer (Mel Gibson) is forced to fight the British in this epic adventure of the American Revolution. Directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day). Screenplay by Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan).
Disclaimer- this film is rated R due to realistic war violence. I showed this to my college classes, not my younger students. It is based on a true-story (although Mel Gibson's character was in fact 3 people, not one). It is very powerful, emotional and raw, but well done. I would only recommend for older students or adults.
Cary Grant, Honorary Academy Award(r) winner (1970), stars in The Howards of Virginia, a stirring romantic adventure set during the turbulent years of Colonial and Revolutionary America. Beautiful young Virginian Jane (Martha Scott) steps down from her proper aristocratic upbringing when she marries down-to-earth surveyor Matt Howard (Grant). Deeply in love, they move to the backwoods and begin to raise their family. Major differences emerge, however, when the conservative Jane and her Tory father rebel against Matt's staunch democratic ideals. Eventually, Matt joins the Colonial forces in the fight for freedom against England, and Jane and Matt are forced to choose between their love for each other and their political beliefs. Exciting and dramatic, The Howards of Virginia is a tumultuous tale of love and adventure.
After the Battle of Lexington kicks off the Revolutionary War, the Americans are rallying to fight the British. American soldier Philip Kent (Andrew Stevens) is set to fight in the Battle of Bunker Hill while his wife, Anne (Kim Cattrall), is at home looking after their child. While Kent is engaged in combat alongside Gen. George Washington, his friend Judson Fletcher (Don Johnson) becomes a member of the newly formed Second Continental Congress.
Hope you and your family enjoy these films as you all learn more about the beginnings of our great nation!
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