HIS LIFE AND TIMES

Year Published: 1932

Format: 16mm

Description: Made in 1932 in honor of the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth, this silent film is one of a series that chronicles the life and times of the great general and president. The film was released by Eastman Classroom Films and shown in schos around the United States. Some scenes from the film were apparently created specifically for this film, others such as Washington crossing the Delaware River were drawn from feature films made in that era. In this episode "Uniting the Colonies", Washington is shown working as a British military officer, trying to bring discipline to pioneer troops and peace to the frontier. He urges colonial governors to act against the French. Washington is also shown being invited to meet his future wife Martha Custis. Washington is elected to the House of Burgesses after his success on the frontier. Soon the mood in the colonies sours against British control due to taxation and Washington and his compatriots plot independence. The film ends with images of Paul Revere's ride and skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, and Washington declares he will equip 1000 men and lead them to Boston to form a Continental Army.

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