Andersonville Trial, The (1970) DVD Approx. 141 min. Shown in original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Playable on any standard North American (US, Canada, etc.) DVD player
Starring: William Shatner, Cameron Mitchell, Richard Basehart, Jack Cassidy, Martin Sheen, Buddy Ebsen, Albert Salmi, John Anderson, Michael Burns, Woodrow Parfrey, Harry Townes, Whit Bissell, Alan Hale, Jr., Ian Wolfe, Ford Rainey, Dallas McKennon and Lou Frizzell. Written by Saul Levitt. Directed by George C. Scott.
This post-civil war court martial drama focuses on the trial of a Confederate officer who ran the notorious prisoner of war camp in Andersonville, Georgia, where over 14,000 Union prisoners died from disease, starvation and neglect. The defendant, Captain Henry Wirz (Richard Basehart) justified his actions with a plea that he was only following orders. He believed he was relieved of any personal responsibility because he was performing his duty. The Army prosecutor contended, however, that moral men must rebel against barbaric or inhumane orders “even if they are within the framework imposed by military discipline.”
George C. Scott, who had played a starring role in the original 1959 Broadway production, directs the Hollywood Television Theatre adaptation and prompts uniformly strong acting from a brilliant cast that includes William Shatner, Martin Sheen, Richard Basehart, Jack Cassidy, Buddy Ebsen and Alan Hale, Jr.
Winner of three Emmy Awards in 1971 for: Outstanding Single Program, Outstanding Writing Achievement and Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction and Electronic Camerawork. Nominated for Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role (Jack Cassidy) and Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction.