I literally hadn't seen this film since my teenage years (when it originally aired) until now (2006), when it replayed on cable TV. The main cast included some of the most popular young actors of that time (the late 60's) -- and though the acting, direction and script aren't the finest work you'll ever see, it spoke to the youth of that day.
The United States was fighting an unpopular war in Vietnam -- and this film focused on the confusion and waste that surrounded the Civil War. The result was to create a direct parallel between that historical war and the (then) current situation. And believe me, we got it! The deaths of six of the seven young men who went to war was found tragic by the audience -- who immediately compared it to deaths of friends and family.
My sister and I just reflected on how popular the theme of desertion was in the 60's and 70's -- while men ran to Canada to avoid the draft. It seems odd now to watch a Civil War film where the protagonist deserts, but it was perfect in 1968! An interesting movie that's certainly worth seeing -- it features a young (pre-Godfather) James Caan. And another then unknown young actor by the name of Harrison Ford!
The United States was fighting an unpopular war in Vietnam -- and this film focused on the confusion and waste that surrounded the Civil War. The result was to create a direct parallel between that historical war and the (then) current situation. And believe me, we got it! The deaths of six of the seven young men who went to war was found tragic by the audience -- who immediately compared it to deaths of friends and family.
My sister and I just reflected on how popular the theme of desertion was in the 60's and 70's -- while men ran to Canada to avoid the draft. It seems odd now to watch a Civil War film where the protagonist deserts, but it was perfect in 1968! An interesting movie that's certainly worth seeing -- it features a young (pre-Godfather) James Caan. And another then unknown young actor by the name of Harrison Ford!