While Hollywood can weave great tales of suspense, intrigue, comedy and
horror, sometimes the truth is more entertaining than fiction. For decades,
filmmakers have drawn on historical events to create compelling movies.
Some directors adhere strictly to the facts, as in
1492: The Conquest of Paradise, which is considered the most
historically accurate portrayal of Columbus' voyages. Others are willing to
bend the truth to produce a more entertaining product.
Despite inaccuracies, researchers believe these films can aid in the
study of history. Mistakes provide an entertaining
way for students to learn about historical facts and might inspire
them to study the subject further.
History in Film offers a variety of lesson plans to accompany films. For more history in the movies, explore these sites:
Presidential Movies
- Jefferson in Paris
Interesting portrayal of Thomas Jefferson during his term as ambassador to
France
from 1784 to 1789.
- JFK
Oliver Stone's controversial account of John F. Kennedy's assassination.
- All The President's Men
The Watergate break-in unravels as two Washington Post reporters
investigate. Stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Bob Woodward and
Carl Bernstein.
American Revolution Films
- Revolution
Al Pacino becomes an unwilling
participant in the American Revolution after his son is drafted into the
British Army.
- The Patriot
This Mel Gibson epic has been
severely criticized for historical inaccuracies, but it has inspired a
new generation to read further about the American Revolution.
- April Morning
Tommy Lee Jones stars as a citizen-soldier at the battles of Lexington and
Concord, the first military engagements of the Revolutionary War. This April
morning was April 19, 1775, when the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired,
signaling the start of the American Revolution.
Civil War & 19th Century America Films
- Glory
This film depicts Col. Robert Shaw
as he leads the Civil War's first all-black volunteer company.
- Amistad
Steven Spielberg's fact-based story of the 1839 revolt by Africans on the
slave ship Amistad and their subsequent trial when they are taken on American soil.
WW II & the Holocaust
- Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg's critically acclaimed story of US soldiers trying to save
a comrade stationed behind enemy lines following the Allied invasion of
Normandy.
-
Judgment at Nuremberg
Provides a fictionalized look at the famed Nuremberg
trials at the conclusion of World War II.
- Schindler's List
Stephen Spielberg's Oscar-winning film about the Holocaust.
European History
- Michael Collins
A film about the man who led the IRA against British rule and
founded the free Republic of Ireland in 1921.
- Elizabeth
Portrays the early years of the reign of Elizabeth I of
England.
- Restoration
An all-star cast tells the story of a doctor at the court of Charles II
of England.
--- M. Scarborough
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