The Movement and the “Madman” is an important new film being produced by two long-time friends and fellow activists, Robert Levering and Steve Ladd. It will be the first feature documentary to chronicle the power and impact of the nationwide movement to end the war in Vietnam. The film will highlight one of the peace movement’s most significant, but little-known successes: how a series of nonviolent protests in the fall of 1969 – the largest in US history at the time – stopped an increasingly desperate President Nixon from launching a self-described “Madman” attack on North Vietnam, including the use of nuclear weapons. Though their impact was not known until years later, these broad-based actions saved countless lives. As Daniel Ellsberg says in the coming film, “I believe we would have had the first nuclear attacks since Nagasaki had it not been for the October 15th and November 15th demonstrations and rallies in 1969.”
I also played a part in this history. In the Fall of 1969, as a staff member of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) I worked with members of Congress to organize an all-night session in the House of Representatives to oppose the war and support the October 15 nationwide “Moratorium” protest. The New York Times called the session “the most extensive debate on Vietnam the House has heard since the war began”. The Movement and the “Madman” will preserve and present this compelling, untold history, providing insights and inspiration for today’s peace and justice movements — illustrating especially how nonviolent protest movements can and do make a difference. With initial seed funding, Robert and Steve engaged an experienced Bay Area film team, led by Emmy award-winning Director Stephen Talbot, who has produced or directed over 40 films for PBS. Talbot and editor Stephanie Mechura (who worked on the recent film on Barbara Lee) are currently deep into editing the 25 interviews they conducted with movement leaders, Nixon administration insiders, members of Congress, veterans, and historians, along with extensive archival footage they have uncovered. Their goal is to complete a rough cut this spring and to finish the film this summer, pending raising the needed funds. As an independent, social issue documentary, the film team relies upon donations from a broad base of individuals to meet their substantial production budget. A generous supporter of the film recently offered a $10,000 matching challenge through the end of February. Whatever you are able to donate now to support the film will be doubled. All donations are tax-deductible through the film’s fiscal sponsor, Filmmakers Collaborative SF. I encourage you to support this film as I have. Please click below to watch the work-in-progress preview reel for an overview of the film’s core story. Warm Greetings and Peace,
David Hartsough
