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 GETTYSBURG
is a sweeping historical drama that befits the greatest epic battle ever fought on
American soil. The film stars a host of noted actors, all accurately portraying
their characters. Based on the late Michael Shaara's acclaimed novel "The
Killer Angels", the actors are completely believable. Martin Sheen (Lee), Tom
Berenger (Longstreet), Jeff Daniels (Chamberlain), and Sam Elliott (Buford) are all first
rate, just to name a few. Released in 1993, the film did well in the box office
considering the limited showing times at theaters because of this movie's length (at four
minutes longer than "Gone With The Wind").
It is historically correct throughout the story, and all the major
characters are real. They really did, and for the most part said, what is depicted on the
screen. There is none of the usual "improved upon by Hollywood" here. This
film tells it like the actual participants say it went. Even the geography and the
extras are real. The location shooting was at Gettysburg National Military
Park. And the extras are accurate down to the insignia and buttons on the
uniforms. Thousands of Civil War "re-enactors" were used for the battle
scenes. |
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 The film begins on June 30th, the day before the battle began, as
the two forces rush to converge. On July 1 the armies manuver into position and the
fighting is heavy. The Federals are driven back, but hold on the second day,
particularly the 20th Maine on Little Round Top.(Part I)
The last day (July 3rd) leads to the climactic and disasterous final charge by
Pickett (in Part II). Each part has a plot
summary and a scene-by-scene outline here, both with pictures.
You can read about the actual events of the campaign (and compare it to the film) on the Timeline page or
find out more details of the battle from the excellent sites on the Links page.GETTYSBURG is one of three
films that cover the American Civil War. The others (Gone
With the Wind and Glory) are also available here. They are
part of the larger History in Film web site
that supports teaching history using popular films. It includes films from Rome up to the
war in Vietnam.
I'd enjoy hearing your comments on this site. Please sign the Guestbook.
I hope you enjoy your visit.
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Film Stats
Historical drama, Civil War |
| Stars |
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Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels, Richard Jordan,
Sam Elliott, Brian Mallon, Martin Sheen |
| Director |
Ronald F. Maxwell |
| Producer |
Moctesuma Esparza, Robert Katz |
| Year |
1993 |
| Released by |
Turner Pictures |
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Based on the novel The Killer
Angels by Michael Shaara |
Buy the Book |
Buy the Movie
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