Class of '61 is a 1993 American war drama television film produced by Steven Spielberg as a projected television series about the American Civil War.[1] It focused on men who were classmates at West Point and separated by the war between the North and the South. Filmed in Charleston, South Carolina and Atlanta, this work was the first collaboration between Spielberg and cinematographer Janusz Kamiński.

Class of '61
GenreDrama
History
War
Written byJonas McCord
Directed byGregory Hoblit
StarringDan Futterman
Clive Owen
Josh Lucas
Theme music composerJohn Debney
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersSteven Spielberg
Jonas McCord
ProducerGregg Fienberg
Production locationsCharleston, South Carolina
Mount Berry, Georgia
CinematographyJanusz Kamiński
EditorDavid Rosenbloom
Running time90 minutes
Production companiesAmblin Television
Universal Television
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseApril 12, 1993 (1993-04-12)

Plot

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The film follows the lives of several West Point classmates who fight on opposite sides of the American Civil War, which disrupts their previously close community.

The film also follows the adventures of Lucius, a slave who escapes via the Underground Railroad to freedom. The film cuts between the First Battle of Bull Run and the birth of Lucius' child into slavery.

Cast

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Production

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Renowned Civil War historian Shelby Foote acted as consultant, and documentary producer Ken Burns was acknowledged for his contributions. He had created the critically acclaimed The Civil War documentary series in 1990.[2]

This was the first collaboration between Spielberg and cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, whose work on Diane Keaton's Wildflower impressed Spielberg to hire him.[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ Hadden, Briton; Luce, Henry Robinson (1992). Time - Google Books. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  2. ^ "Class of '61 (1993) - Overview". Turner Classics (TCM.com). 2010-04-25. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  3. ^ Mermelstein, David (2013-02-20), "Spielberg's Eye", Cultural Conversation, The Wall Street Journal, retrieved 2024-05-15
  4. ^ Buchanan, Kyle (2012-11-14), "How Steven Spielberg's Cinematographer Got These Eleven Shots", Vulture, retrieved 2024-05-15
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