Writers often reach into the past to find inspiration and content for their stories. Often an entire event or period is recreated in their books or screenplays or, perhaps, the facts of history simply provide a background for the plots that they weave. The American Civil War captured people’s imaginations even as the muskets and cannons were still being fired. As a pivotal moment in the history of the United States, it is not surprising that the war has found its way into a variety of movies.
One of the first well-known movies that used the war as a background for a story largely centered on romance is “Gone with the Wind.” Based upon Margaret Mitchell’s book, the 1939 movie, which is just shy of four hours long, is a grand spectacle from the early years of Hollywood. Although its depiction of a glorious Old South fails to depict the realities of slavery and racism, its scenes of a besieged Atlanta and an enormous hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers, capture the magnitude of the moment. But, although it is a classic movie with plenty of moments connected to plantation society of Georgia and the war, it is likely that it will not fulfill the thirst of those looking for Civil War content.
For those who want a movie that features detailed content about the armies, soldiers, and generals as well as fine depictions of battle, the movie “Gettysburg” is highly recommended. Based upon the famous book “Killer Angels,” written by Michael Shaara, the movie presents a detailed account of the Campaign and Battle of Gettysburg. Featuring 13,000 reenactors, those who crave the military history of the war will likely be thrilled by a variety of scenes of battle, including a realistic portrayal of the famous Pickett’s Charge. Although it is not a movie for everyone and likely will not appeal to those who only have a passing interest in the war, it is typically on the list of favorites for Civil War battle enthusiasts.
Another excellent movie that features Civil War combat, and an equally compelling story, is the 1989 feature “Glory.” Based on the famous 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the first black regiment to see combat in the Civil War, the story focuses on five main characters: four Black soldiers and their white commander, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. Although some of the story stretches the truth of the actual history of the regiment, the strong development of the major characters draws you into the action and makes you really appreciate the obstacles and challenges that the regiment faced due to racism, as well as the glory it obtained in battle.
“Lincoln” is one of the most recent movies that focus on a topic directly connected to the Civil War. It is a historically rich movie that focuses on President Abraham Lincoln and his efforts to get the 13th Amendment passed as the Civil War was coming to a close. This is a political drama and character study through and through and, although it does not really follow the military events of the war, it is a detailed look at our 16th president and this crucial moment in American History. Daniel Day-Lewis does an incredible job of portraying Lincoln.
Many other movies and television shows have used the American Civil War as context for a story. For those who enjoy American history, watching Hollywood’s versions of events can be a joy, as long as they recognize that history is often altered for the sake of entertainment.
Image credit: Thure de Thulstrup, L. Prang & Co., restored by Adam Cuerden via Wikimedia Commons
