The Execution of Private Slovik?

[rkolinski]

THE EXECUTION OF PRIVATE SLOVIK - YouTube

There is only a VHS version available at Amazon and a Region 2 Pal DVD version available.

"The Execution of Private Slovik is a nonfiction book by William Bradford Huie, published in 1954,[1] and an American made-for-television movie that aired on NBC on March 13, 1974. The film was written for the screen by Richard Levinson, William Link and by Lamont Johnson who also served as film director. The film stars Martin Sheen, and also features Charlie Sheen in his second film in a small role.

Plot

The book and the film tell the story of Private Eddie Slovik, the only American soldier to be executed for desertion since the American Civil War. The film starred Martin Sheen as Private Slovik, a performance for which he received an Emmy Award nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Drama. Sheen said he did not think actors should be compared, and made it clear he would refuse the award. Many critics and viewers consider this to be one of Sheen's finest performances. Among the other Emmy Award nominations, the film was named for "Outstanding Special."

Development

In 1960 Frank Sinatra announced that he would produce a film adaptation of The Execution of Private Slovik, to be written by blacklisted Hollywood 10 screenwriter Albert Maltz. This announcement evoked tremendous outrage, with Sinatra accused of being a Communist sympathizer. As Sinatra was campaigning for John F. Kennedy for President, the Kennedy campaign became concerned and ultimately prevailed upon Sinatra to cancel the project.

In 1949, a Pentagon source revealed to Huie the existence of a European graveyard of unnamed American soldiers. Huie’s probe identified the grave and name of the only American soldier executed for desertion since the Civil War. The story of ne’er-do-well Eddie Slovik is an example of Huie’s masterful reporting and his tendency to anger the mighty. Eisenhower, who authorized the execution, tried to stop the book. Award-winning filmmaker Richard Dubelman acquired the film rights from Sinatra, and after years of dedicated work finally convinced Universal Studios to help him make it as a TV movie. According to one website, The Execution of Private Slovik was the highest rated made-for-TV special until Roots."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Exe...Private_Slovik

[yellowcakeuf6]

I saw this TV movie when it originally aired and it has had a lasting effect on me. I saw it again on rented VHS many years ago, but not since.
This is the anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, in which Slovik participated and deserted so I thought about this movie gain. Sheen is superb, especially at the end.
It's a Universal/NBC (Television) title.

[Show spoiler]

youtube.com/watch?v=i2QiWZuKaDU