New Film About WWII Hero Desmond Doss: Hacksaw Ridge

Posted on July 5, 2016 at 11:43 am

hacksaw
Copyright 2016 Lionsgate

Mel Gibson’s new film is “Hacksaw Ridge,” the true story of WWII medic Desmond Doss, played by Andrew Garfield (“The Amazing Spider-Man”), who, in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, miraculously saved 75 men in a matter of hours without firing or carrying a gun.

He was the only American soldier in WWII to fight on the front lines without a weapon. He single-handedly evacuated the wounded from behind enemy lines, under constant enemy gunfire and artillery bombardment.

Doss was a Seventh Day Adventist and a man of deep faith who saved the lives of men who had harassed him for refusing to carry a gun. He believed the war was just, but to kill under any circumstance was wrong. Doss was labeled the first conscientious objector (he called himself a “conscientious cooperator” as he volunteered) to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The film also stars Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths and Vince Vaughn and is coming to theaters nationwide November 4th, 2016.

Related Tags:

 

In Production Spiritual films

Kevin Sampson and I Talk 4th of July Movies — Picture Lock

Posted on July 4, 2016 at 5:33 pm

Many thanks to Kevin Sampson and the Picture Lock podcast for having me on to talk about our favorite 4th of July movies. These were not just films that take place on or discuss Independence Day but those that illuminate the issues of liberty and equality that led to and provide the foundation of the Declaration of Independence.

copyright picture lock 2016
copyright picture lock 2016
Related Tags:

 

Lists Media Appearances

Tonight on PBS: A Capitol 4th With Jackie Evancho

Posted on July 4, 2016 at 9:00 am

Once again, PBS will broadcast the 4th of July celebration from the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. Tom Bergeron hosts again, live at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building, with performances by: legendary Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson; platinum selling recording star and Grammy Award-winner Kenny Loggins; multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw; award-winning country vocalist Cassadee Pope; actress and singer Amber Riley, who is set to star in the musical Dreamgirls in London’s West End; musical prodigy and classical crossover star Jackie Evancho; Tony Award-winning Broadway and television star Sutton Foster; Emmy and Grammy Award-winner Christopher Jackson, who stars as George Washington in the Broadway smash hit musical “Hamilton”; Grammy Award-winning gospel/adult contemporary superstar Yolanda Adams; the cast of the smash hit Gloria and Emilio Estefan Broadway musical “On Your Feet!,” and the National Symphony Orchestra. Alisan Porter, the Season 10 winner of The Voice, will open the show with a special performance of the “National Anthem.” The concert will include special segments celebrating the 75th anniversary of the USO, featuring distinguished American leader General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), and the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, as well as a red, white and blue send-off for Team USA competing in the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Also participating in this year’s concert will be the Choral Arts Society of Washington, Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, Members of the Armed Forces carrying the State and Territorial Flags and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.

Capping off the show, as always, will be a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery.

Related Tags:

 

Holidays Television
THE MOVIE MOM® is a registered trademark of Nell Minow. Use of the mark without express consent from Nell Minow constitutes trademark infringement and unfair competition in violation of federal and state laws. All material © Nell Minow 1995-2024, all rights reserved, and no use or republication is permitted without explicit permission. This site hosts Nell Minow’s Movie Mom® archive, with material that originally appeared on Yahoo! Movies, Beliefnet, and other sources. Much of her new material can be found at Rogerebert.com, Huffington Post, and WheretoWatch. Her books include The Movie Mom’s Guide to Family Movies and 101 Must-See Movie Moments, and she can be heard each week on radio stations across the country.

Website Designed by Max LaZebnik