Valley Forge

I saw this film on Television, Christmas Eve 1989, back when CBS had a late late show. The film shows both sides of the battle, during the Revolutionary War. Excellent performances by Richard Basehart, Simon Ward, and a very young Christopher Walken. This film is shot on a video format, which gives it a look as if it were shot on stage. I am surprised this is not on DVD or video. This film would make an excellent addition to Drama fans film libraries. They certainly don't make made for television films like this one anymore. I give this film

****/**** Great.

This play and the manner in which it was produced through on television is well done and an excellent tool to teach young Americans and others about the history of our nation and the goodness of men and women that transcends tax and government. It is a good effort and an excellent production. The production correctly presents the basic laws and regulations of our armed forces and brotherhood. The play represents the French friendship and ally as well as the importance of the Americans descended from French colonists as well in a heroic and deservedly honorable light. The desperation and actions of the brave soldiers at Valley Forge is told with a face toward fact and a spirit of American pride.

To me Richard Baseheart will always be the Captain of the Seawolf in TV Version of Voyage to the Bottom of The Sea. In the little known Valley Forge Richard Baseheart turns his stentorian English sounding tone to the role of the father of his country, fighting off British starvation and waiting for news of the French decision on alliance. If the foray depicted in this movie was more of a pantry raid than a military masterstroke, the message of the extreme circumstances faced is clear. Indeed morale may not been able to survive victory or defeat without a the comradely in little humorous mischief stemming from a successful, unauthorized foray inconsequential in the long flow of history.

Ohio born Baseheart plays the father of his country with the reserve and a sly sense of irony and humor worthy of Washington even if Baseheart falls considerably short of Washington's reported height of 6 feet.

The Revolution is an underplayed topic in theatre. In fact I came across this film by accident; I had failed to find this film not withstanding years of research into the topic. Comparable films: Scarlet Coat, Revolution, April Morning, The Patriot