Episode 8

In response to September 11th 2001, Film Clips commissioned Academy Award winning filmmaker Chuck Workman to create a 3-minute montage from the history of movies celebrating the spirit of America. Presented as a gift from the entertainment community to America, it played on more than 13,000 screens throughout the United States.

Theme: Many virtues define the Spirit of America. Especially during these challenging times, it is important to explore, discuss and evaluate our past, present, and future commitment to the Spirit and Character of America.

Focus Questions: What is the Spirit of America? How can we preserve and renew the best qualities of the Spirit of America in these challenging times?

Plot: Robert Shaw leads the US Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices of both his own Union army and the Confederates.

Scene: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Mathew Broderick) informs the troops of his all-black company that they are to be paid less than white troops.

Themes: Solidarity

Focus Questions:
What would you have done? As a soldier in this company? As the commander?
What values unite us as a nation? What values divide us?
Why is solidarity important? Why is dissent important?

Studio: Columbia Pictures

Directed by: Edward Zwick

Writing credits: Robert Gould Shaw (Letters), Lincoln Kirstein (Book: Lay This Laurel), Peter Burchard (Book: One Gallant Rush), Kevin Jarre (Screenplay)

Cast:
Matthew Broderick .... Colonel Robert Gould Shaw
Denzel Washington .... Private Trip
Morgan Freeman .... Sergeant Major John Rawlins

Plot: An angel helps a despairingly frustrated man by showing the profoundly positive impact he had on his community.

Themes: Integrity
Integrity has three meanings: 1) being complete and unbroken, of wholeness and entirety; 2) the quality of being unimpaired; and, 3) being of sound moral principle. Honesty, accountability, and responsibility are among our county’s most valued civic virtues. Our adherence to moral principles, our willingness to seek and express the truth as a nation, and our steadfast and unwavering commitment to the founding ideals on which our nation was founded unify us in times of conflict and unrest.

Focus Questions:
What is integrity? Is it important to you? Why? Why not? Can you bank on integrity? Is integrity a value Americans prize? Is Integrity as important in business and politics as it is in your personal life? Is integrity defined only by our laws? Is integrity a quality of character that transcends our laws? If integrity is important to you… How can we promote, preserve and protect this value now and in the future?

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Directed by: Frank Capra

Writing credits: Frances Goodrich, Philip Van Doren Stern (story)

Cast:
James Stewart .... George Bailey
Donna Reed .... Mary Hatch
Lionel Barrymore .... Mr. Henry F. Potter
Thomas Mitchell (I) .... Uncle Billy

Plot: The biography of Ron Kovic. Paralyzed in the Vietnam war, he becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for.

Themes: Defiance
Defiance has been an important part of America’s character and spirit evident from the beginning of our history. An American’s right to question authority, protest against injustice and challenge popular beliefs is guaranteed by our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Tolerance, reasoned argument and the rule of law are also critically important American values. The dynamic tension between these values is one of the great strengths of our Constitutional democracy.

Focus Questions:
(Note: Although Ron Kovic did protest at the Republican National convention, he actually protested outside the Convention Hall. Not inside, as portrayed in the movie.) When is it right to defy the crowd? Is the right to protest guaranteed by our laws? How? What rights to dissent are protected by the Constitution and the Bill of rights? What are the risks and benefits of protest to you and to your community? If solidarity and the right to dissent are both important American values, how can the tension between these values be reconciled?

Studio: Universal Studios

Directed by: Oliver Stone

Writing credits: Oliver Stone (screenplay), Ron Kovic (book)

Cast:
Tom Cruise .... Ron Kovic

Plot: Based on a World War II drama. US soldiers try to save their comrade, paratrooper Private Ryan, who's stationed behind enemy lines.

Themes: Responsibility
As Americans, we are indebted to those who have sacrificed greatly that we might live in freedom. We can repay this debt by living a worthwhile life in service to others and in defense of the rights of all.

Focus Questions:
What is your pledge of allegiance? To what principles are you most loyal? What is your responsibility to yourself, your community, your country, and the world? What makes a worthwhile life?

Studio: DreamWorks SKG & Paramount Pictures

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Writing credits: Robert Rodat (written by)

Cast:
Tom Hanks .... Captain John H. Miller
Matt Damon .... Private James Francis Ryan