Customer Reviews

Williamsburg:Story of a Patriot [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Highly entertaining and enjoyable film follows the sentiments of American citizens in the years leading up to the revolutionary war. Features an all-star cast, music by Bernard Herrmann, and direction by George Seaton. Holds the distinction of being the longest-running film of any type, anywhere (continuous since 1957 at the Colonial Williamsburg visitors' center in Williamsburg, Va.).

I first saw this movie as a child in Williamsburg. It was shown on a huge screen and the music was very dynamic in the theatre. It is a great film that I try to see whenever I am in Williamsburg and the VHS version is still compelling.
I am 33 years old now and still am moved in the final scene when the title character must decide whether to risk his family fortune, his legacy, his land and most importantly the life of his newly signed up soldier-son in order to create a new land based on freedom from tyranny. We know what happened in history but did Delegate Frye take that risk? It is illustrative of those moments in life when one person bears the weight of an important decision with no gaurantee that it will work out well either way. But to quote the title character "If one wants to be free, one must learn to choose. God help us always to make the right choice."
The film does not overtly condemn some of the social issues of the era (slavery in particular) which may bother the socially conscious but it also does not ignore them. Slavery is depicted but in a very sanitized way. The viewer should remember that this is a story about a wealthy landowner and his family and their fictional role in the founding of the nation not the moralistic tale of everything that was wrong at the time.
"Patriot" is only 33 minutes long but it is one of the most stirring stories I have ever seen. A great American film directed and produced by some of Hollywood's best filmmakers at the time. If you want to see Williamsburg as a living town and understand why it is an important tourist attraction and how much was riding on the decisions of our ancestors see this film.

Fun fabulous presentation of the restored colonial city- from an entertaining family perspective. Brings 18th century alive - great building & time overview - still great 45 years later - wow. Saw it as a kid, own it as an adult - great!

Great way to appeal to your own or to inspire another's interest in the colonial days. Beginning of our country's ideals - entertaining - if you've been to Williamsburg, you'll relive the trip from the inside. So very well done - must be since it's been running at the Visitors Center for 44 years. So glad it's for sale!

Beautiful with a nice booklet...

Interesting information about film restoration.

Except for the pictures from the original filming, the commentary is dull and monotonous.

This is the video shown at Historical Williamsburg, Va when you first enter. I have been looking for a copy. It is done very well displaying th atmosphere in the colonies in the late eighteenth century. The main star is Jack Lord from Hawaii 50 fame.

This is the longest running film in the history of cinema. The DVD, which features the recent digital restoration of the original VistaVision film and sound elements by Robert Harris (who also worked on similar restorations of "Spartacus", "My Fair Lady", "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Vertigo"), is also notable for the rich colours and the 3-track stereo sound mix, each of which have been enriched in this excellent transfer.

Pay particular attention to the fine music score by the legendary Bernard Herrmann.

Another film due for a Blu-ray upgrade.

This DVD consists of a 37-minute film made for Colonial Williamsburg in the 50's, and two short documentaries: one on the restoration of the film, and the second an introduction to Colonial Williamsburg.

The acting in the little movie is pretty wooden, but the costumes look great. It's primarily of interest as Colonial Williamsburg nostalgia, although it is interesting that the "patriot" in the title has many misgivings about turning against England. Most movies about this period seem to show everyone as having already made up their mind.

Jack Lord and John McGiver (in a brief cameo) are the only stars you'll recognize. Bernard Herrmann did the music!

The two little documentaries are a nice complement to the film, but are a little too brief.

At one point members of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation received copies of this free as a membership benefit.

I bought this because it had Jack Lord in it and I was a big fan of Jack Lord back in the day of Stoney Burke. My family had been to Williamsburg about every other year for our summer vacation and I remember seeing this short film in the theatre there before touring the facilities. It brought back fond memories. Although it is a short documentary on the beginnings of our country it still holds its charm. If you are actually looking for a typical movie this is not what you are looking for but if you remember the shortie as a kid-- it is a memory reminder.

In a few short minutes, this film captures the dilemma of ordinary citizens suddenly forced to make a decision that would change the course of history forever. This film offers far greater historical accuracy than the PATRIOT starring Mel Gibson. If you've never visited Colonial Williamsburg, it will make you want to see it. If you've already been there, this is the perfect item to bring back wonderful memories.