From School Library Journal Grade 9 Up-On Christmas Eve, 1776, General George Washington led his small, ragged army across the Delaware River. The next morning, it successfully overwhelmed a garrison of Hessian mercenaries in the Battle of Trenton, the first American victory of the Revolution. That victory proved to be a major turning point of the Revolution, allowing the Continental Army to survive and continue the struggle for independence. This dramatization of the battle and the days that preceded it was originally broadcast on the A&E cable channel, with a screenplay based upon Howard Fast's historical novel. It focuses on Washington (played by Jeff Daniels), who knew he had to gain a victory in order to hold his army together and maintain public support for the Revolution. Viewers follow the debate as Washington formulated his risky battle plan and then persuaded and occasionally bullied his staff to carry it out. Washington is portrayed as a very human leader, who could be coldly ambition and imperious but who also was concerned about the men under his command. Technical quality is outstanding. There is some mild profanity and coarse humor that might be inappropriate for students younger than high school. Although not technically an "educational" film, this well-written and well-performed production will definitely hold student interest. It will give them a better understanding of the importance of the Battle of Trenton and Washington's leadership in the Revolution, making it a good addition to secondary school and public libraries. Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Jeff Daniels As George Washington.
Jeff Daniels (Pleasantville, Terms Of Endearment) stars as the American patriot who leads a ragtag band of farmers and shopkeepers to victory over the world's greatest military power in this sweeping A&E original production.
December 1776. Decimated by superior British forces, suffering from disease, desertion and lack of funds, General George Washington faces the unthinkable --losing the war. Despite all advice to the contrary, Washington makes a courageous decision that is considered to be one of the boldest in military history. On Christmas night, with the American Revolution hanging in the balance, Washington takes his army across the ice-chocked Delaware River. The next morning, he leads a surprise attack against a garrison of battle-hardened Hessian mercenaries. The overwhelming and miraculous victory turns the tide in the war and ultimately leads to the birth of the United States.
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