Liberty!
 |
| Liberty! The American Revolution | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ellen Hovde Muffie Meyer |
| Written by | Ronald Blumer |
| Produced by | Ellen Hovde Muffie Meyer |
| Cinematography | James Brown Robert Elfstrom |
| Edited by | Eric Davies Donna Marino |
| Music by | Public Broadcasting Service |
Release date | November 23, 1997-November 25, 1997 |
Running time | 360 minutes |
| Language | English |
Liberty! The American Revolution is a six-hour
Public Broadcasting Service
in 1997.
The series consists of six hour-long episodes. Each episode is introduced by
Stephen Lang read the words of George Washington
, but is not seen on camera.
British and American historians and authors, including
N.A.M. Rodger
(U.K.) add historical background, explaining life and society of the time while interpreting events from the perspectives of the two sides of the conflict. Historical perspectives also include the status of black slaves and freemen, the participation of American Indians, and the strivings of American women as events progress.
Episodes
- "The Reluctant Revolutionaries" (1763-1774): Introduction of the major players, life as British colonists, the The Boston Tea Party
- "Blows Must Decide" (1774-1776): Common Sense, The Declaration of Independence
- "The Times That Try Men's Souls" (1776-1777): The British army arrives under General Howe, Washington's formation of an American army, division of colonies as patriot or loyalist, the defense of New York, fall of New Jersey, The American Crisis, the crossing of the Delaware River and the Battle of Trenton
- "Oh Fatal Ambition!" (1777-1778): Benjamin Franklin appeals for French assistance, Battle of Saratogaand Burgoyne's surrender, America signs a treaty with the French
- "The World Turned Upside Down" (1778-1783): The French alliance, Gen. Cornwallis's strategy to conquer the south, Benedict Arnold joins the British, French troops under Gen. Rochambeau reinforce Washington's army, Gen. Nathanael Greene reclaims the south, the Battle of Yorktown, the British surrender
- "Are We to Be a Nation?" (1783-1788): Creating the new nation, Constitution, Bill of Rightsand formation of a central government
American singer-songwriter James Taylor sings the traditional song "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier" during the end credits. Original music was composed by violinist Mark O'Connor, who accompanies Taylor; the score, which blends new and traditional music, was performed by O'Connor, Taylor, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, trumpet player Wynton Marsalis and the Nashville Symphony. A collection of the music from the soundtrack was released as a companion album in 1997.
Liberty! was produced for
Benjamin Franklin
.
See also
- List of television series and miniseries about the American Revolution
- List of films about the American Revolution
