Gods and Generals" is the first episode in the War Between the States trilogy produced by Ted Turner Pictures. Like "Stars Wars," the episodes have not been produced in order. The second part, Gettysburg," was released in 1993. The last episode "Last Full Measure" may begin filming as early this summer. "Gods and Generals" is written by Jeff Sharra, whose father, Michael, wrote "Killer Angels" in 1978; "Killer Angels" was the basis for the "Gettysburg" episode.
 
I was totally surprised with what "God and Generals" turned out to be. I had seen the theater trailer, several times, and assumed that this would be a general overview of the War from secession until the Battle of Gettysburg. I assumed that it would show General Lee's development as he lead the Army of Northern Virginia when he assumed field command after the Seven Days Campaign. I was totally unprepared for the movie to be a biography of General Thomas Jonathan Jackson - known to history as "Stonewall." I must admit that my surprise was quite enjoyable but a surprise, nonetheless. I, personally, have been fascinated with General Jackson since fifth grade when I read a biography and learned that "Stonewall's" real name was Thomas Jonathan. Ten years ago, Shelby Foote's comments on Jackson used in the making of Ken Burn's "The Civil War" only deepened my curiosity about this truly great warrior and deeply religious man.

The movie was an extremely emotional experience in which the screen characters came alive. You could feel hardship, fear, joy, love, and the other things that make life worthwhile in them. This movie is essentially the story of Thomas Jonathan Jackson, a character who has never been portrayed on the movie screen before. It traces his life from the end of his ten year teaching career at the Virginia Military Institute upon the secession of Virginia to his death after the Battle of Chancellorsville - a period of some twenty five months. "Gettysburg" details the events of only three days; "Gods and Generals" focuses on a much longer time and the human lives affected by the events of secession and the Battles of First Manassas across Bull Run, Sharpsburg on Antietem Creek, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. If "Gettysburg" places its people within the context of that 'battle, "Gods and Generals" places these battles and the general condition of war within the greater context of its fascinating and compelling characters. These personalities include General Jackson and his wife, Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and his wife Fanny, and. last but not least, General Robert Edward Lee.

The battle scenes are gripping and quite authentic as reenactors composed most of the extras. The movie would not have been possible without them. It is very easy to overlook the fact that they all are well in excess of the average age of soldiers of this era. Also they appear better fed and much heavier than the average weight of that day of 140 pounds. Regardless, these facts are easily overlooked as soldiers in gray and butternut clash, so authentically and repeatedly, with soldiers in blue. Even the endlessly picky History Channel’s “Is It History or Hollywood?” episode on "Gods and Generals" could find no fault with this portrayal save the fact that they did not agree – surprise, surprise!!! – with the movie’s non hate filled presentation of slavery.
 
Stephen Lang, who portrayed General George E. Pickett in "Gettysburg," is totally arresting as Jackson. The two characters are as different as any two men could be. Lang masterfully creates a believable Jackson - as he transforms the professorial "Tom Fool" from VMI into the immortal "Stonewall," Lee's right arm and tactical master of the battlefields on which his troops fought. Though critics have complained about the speech patterns of the characters in this movie, I believe that this was the way educated gentry spoke in that day. Accurately and appropriately quoting the Bible or the classics was simply a sign of good breeding. Lang presents Jackson's 19th century religious beliefs as totally honest and believable, which is no small task. This strange and somewhat mysterious man comes alive on the screen as you watch Stephen Lang.

Robert Duval's portrayal of General Lee will never be equaled. No one wanted to play Rhett Butler after Clark Gable's interpretation - so it will be with Duval and Lee. The only criticism is that you want to see Duval's Lee in every scene and that, unfortunately, is not to be. His presence is totally arresting. You leave the movie with the sincere impression that this is what General Lee was really like. Robert Duval's ancestral relation to General Lee through his mother's family is obvious. What a relief it was, not to re-witness Martin Sheen's tortured rendering of his "Gettysburg" Lee.

Other actors in the movie deserve attention. Jeff Daniels returns with his excellent presentation of Colonel Chamberlain. Local actor, Bo Brinkman, returns as Major Henry Taylor, Lee's adjutant. Bruce Boxleitner appears as General James Longstreet. Brian Mallon is General Winfield Scott Hancock. Mira Sorvino, an Oscar winner, is Fanny Chamberlain. Kevin Conway reappears as the Irish Sergeant Buster Kilrain. Kali Rocha depicts Mary Anna Jackson. Ted Turner makes a cameo appearance and joins in the singing of "Bonnie Blue Flag." Though I have to admit that I did not recognize him, the credits list Phil Gramm as a Virginia delegate. The cast is vast and I apologize for not mentioning others as I may have overlooked your favorites.

Before I saw the movie, I purchased the book "Gods and Generals - The Paintings of Mort Kuntsler," the official companion history to the movie. After seeing the movie, I purchased the Primedia History Group's magazine "Gods & Generals" and the Sony motion picture soundtrack CD/DVD combo. I recommend all three of these to you. The DVD contains two music videos, including Mary Fahl's haunting "Going Home," and deleted screens from the movie. I have seen the movie twice and look forward to the full version "Gods and Generals" DVD that will come out this summer. If you enjoyed the length of the screen version and wanted more, I understand, that the DVD version will satisfy your needs.

Please overlook the length of "Gods and Generals" - admittedly it is quite long at three hours and forty nine minutes including the intermission. Overlook the overly thick Hollywood style beards - the believable exception being that of General Lee. Enjoy the simplicity of the 19th century and the beliefs of the people of that era. For a few hours, you can journey back in time and participate in a movie experience depicting the successes of the Confederate Army in Virginia during the first two years of the War. You will get to know General Jackson and come to share the love that the he and his wife knew. You will be enchanted by General Lee - perhaps just like those that had the privilege of meeting him in real life. And, yes, you may very well fight back a tear or two when "Stonewall" Jackson "passes over the river and rests in the shade of the trees." You will leave the theater moved by how strong the convictions of these people were and how much they sacrificed for their beliefs.

S. Jeff Cobb, Jr.