Behind the Scenes Details
By using dramatic narration and authentically recreated scenes, enhanced with an original musical score, this film chronicles the settlement of the American Colonies, the formation of colonial governments, and the tension that resulted from the economic strain on Great Britain for its prosecution of the Seven Years War with France.
It illustrates how Great Britain’s attempt to make the American colonies pay for its debts, among other issues, brought about the revolt. British Parliament’s passage of The Stamp Act, the Sugar Act, the Tea Act, and the Intolerable Acts, and the effects of those on the colonies, are all thoroughly explained. The reaction of American settlers on the frontier, settling lands beyond the Proclamation Line of 1763, to events in Boston is portrayed.
Using a vast array of original documents unearthed from historical society collections and various archives, with licensed use of period portraits by artist John Singleton Copley of such notable individuals as Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Mercy Otis Warren, Dr. Joseph Warren, John Hancock, General Thomas Gage, James Otis, John Adams, among many others, along with a large number of recreated scenes such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and British troops marching to Lexington and forming ranks on the village green in front of the local militia. Seen as well is the opening shot that was fired and then the British troops opening fire, killing and wounding numerous local minutemen, acts that brought about the American Revolution.
Educational Relevance
The use of original portraits of the principal figures in the opening scenes of what evolved into the American Revolution, together with action scenes, and dramatic music, is all designed to help viewers of all ages understand the events that precipitated the American Revolution.
Release and Distribution
RELEASED in 2023. Originally broadcast by Kentucky Educational Television, it became a selection of the National Educational Telecommunication Association and was, accordingly, made available to, and broadcast by all 350 PBS affiliates from coast to coast.
Credits
- Written, Hosted, Narrated and Directed by Kent Masterson Brown, Historian
- Editing and graphics, Chris Yelton and Wrigley Media, Lexington, Kentucky
- Sound Design by Neil and Mara Kesterson, Dynamix Productions, Lexington, Kentucky
- Original score composed by Clark Cranfill, Scarlight Media, Lexington, Kentucky.
