The Guns of April

Ohio filmmaker Jim Behl  has provided Civil War enthusiasts with a documentary that focuses initially on the early events of the 'War of Northern Aggression' blending history along with the men and women who keep the memory of our American past alive through re-enactments, ceremonies and milestone observations.

Viewers are treated to the comments of long-time Roundtable members who share their thoughts on the living history that they embrace so dearly. 

From Ft. Sumter, to Chambersburg, to Gettysburg, Guns of April celebrates the music long associated with the American Civil War, as well as historically accurate accounts of the make-shift hospitals where the letters of the actual eyewitnesses are shared with the public. I found this documentary to be both educational and captivating.

I shared the Guns of April with my father and his girlfriend this past weekend and we found it to be interesting and well produced. The production value was very good. I felt the lighting was especially well done. There was a good mix of music, reenactments, and basic story line of the commemorative events coming up the 150th anniversary the Civil War.

There are a number of extended interviews of a real cast of characters that have participated in many of the reenactments that happen every summer in the states that hosted the Civil War. Many scenes from the reenactments included help move the storyline along. It was fun to watch and learn about the people that participate in the reenactments. Coming in to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, this film helps us appreciate what is to come.

Jim Behl should be very proud of his efforts here.

I enjoyed "The Guns of April" last night. A 1:32 hour documentary by Ohio filmmaker Jim B. Behl. A nice mix of music, reenactments, and 150th anniversary celebrations at Charleston-Fort Sumter-Chambersburg & Gettysburg... He includes the 150th commemoration of the firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Film of the 147th commemoration of the burning of Chambersburg, leads into Gettysburg anniversary celebrations, where music, dramatic readings and reenactments combine to paint a picture of the coming sesquicentennial celebrations that will occur along the East Coast over the next four years. The film provides a good overview of what we can expect during the coming years as America commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Although I am an avid re en-actor of all American living history, I must be honest with those that I know so well and appreciate. I felt that this was a little dry and tedious at times. In as much as I may enjoy the CW, there was entirely too much time spent on issues that although it transpired during these battles, than on the actual battles. To me the title "GUNS OF APRIL" and the context of this had virtually nothing to do with the battles. Too much time was spent on other issues. I understand that much went on behind the actual battles and the aftermath was horrific, and many contributed far more than can be counted.

I have known the people involved with the making of this documentary, and in my heart, I know that they can do far better the the rating that I have given. I know that there will be those of you that disagree with this review, however, it is an honest, and fair review. After all, these are my thoughts. Jim and John, you can do better, and I know that you can.