goconnor100

One of the earlier reviews of this fine little TV movie suggested that it stretched credulity to believe that German POWs would be found so far from Europe. Yet by the end of the war, over 375,000 German POWs were in several hundred camps throughout the United States, mostly in the South and Southwest, far from critical war industries in the Midwest and along the Eastern seaboard. There were over 425,000 total Axis prisoners in the US by 1945.

The Incident is a really well-made movie. Director Joseph Sargent, still at it in his late 70s or early 80s, created memorable TV and theatrical films such as "The Marcus Nelson Murders" (to become Kojak), "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three", "Miss Evers' Boys", and "A Lesson Before Dying."

Even with the fictionalized elements, there's not a better film about a historical event than Matewan. I've read many of the comments here, and I concur with those who find this a minor masterpiece. Not only does it tell a fascinating post-WWI story, but my students learn about the labor movement, the problems confronting immigrants, and race relations all in one package. I usually set it up with some information about the time period and location, the unique backstory about the Hatfields and McCoys, and the music--don't forget the period music! BTW, if you are inclined to purchase the film on DVD, whatever you do DO NOT BUY THE ARTISAN PICTURES version... it's cheap, not widescreen, with terrible sound and picture quality. Get the version distributed by SEVILLE PICTURES out of Canada. They did a fine job with the DVD... a gorgeous picture in 16 X 9 widescreen with Dolby Digital 2.0. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but I don't really care about that nonsense. It's the film itself that makes the DVD, and this film is one of the best.