April 19th 1775 – An excellent representation of the events on Lexington Green and the fighting during the retreat from Concord – based on the book “April Morning,” by Howard Fast which was originally published in 1961.
This novel was adapted for TV as a CBS Sunday Night movie (remember those?) as part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame in 1988. It was directed by Delbert Mann and starred Chad Lowe as Adam and Tommy Lee Jones as Moses, Susan Blakley, Rip Torn and 80s TV staple Robert Urich . Although it is set at the very beginning of the American Revolution it is more about Adam’s journey to manhood and his relationship with his parents.
I remember watching this movie on a scratchy VHS dozens of times growing up. For education, entertainment, enlightenment and inspiration. We hope you enjoy.
I’d be guessing this book is better. Thomas Paine had a way with words.
https://www.pdfdrive.com/rights-of-man-common-sense-and-other-political-writings-oxford-worlds-classics-e161005307.html
Thanks Katie. I watched last night. Even at the level of a “made for tv” movie, it took me back to the time. Came away thinking, “If they could do it, so could we!”
There was one line I loved, as a rider alerts to the approaching British troops being on the main road. The unacknowledged leader of the rebels, Chandler, says:
“There ain’t a road in Massachusetts today that doesn’t lead to British graves.”
How’s that for defying defeatism?!! They were ready, ready as they could be, and their numbers kept growing, out of the woods and from over the hills. Their numbers and their commitment, expanding. None can say it was easy.
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You’re welcome galen. I liked the line when the young boy/man said he’d heard talk of war for many years then it was an actuality. We are in the same situation, imo. Talk in homes, amongst friends, & family, etc.