Remembering the 160th anniversary of The Battle of Franklin, the Franklin Theatre will present a rare large-screen viewing of Robert Lee Hodge’s Emmy-award winning documentary The Battle of Franklin on back-to-back nights – Friday, November 29th, and Saturday, November 30th -- 160th anniversary of the battle! Both showings at 8 pm.
Shown on PBS, The Battle of Franklin film has gotten many accolades from the experts -- Chief Historian Emeritus of the National Park Service, Ed Bearss, said, “One of the best, if not the best, documentaries I have seen on a Civil War battle. Not since Ken Burns’ monumental PBS production, The Civil War, have I seen better. . . Hodge’s film is a great primer to understand the Battle of Franklin.”
Hodge said, “For folks that want to get acclimated to this momentous engagement fought on November 30th, 1864, I am proud to be able to contribute to a general understanding principally using the written words from the participants that where there.”
The Franklin Theatre is showing the movie on back-to-back nights. Hodge said, “The Friday night showing on November 29th can be a great introduction, or reintroduction, into the battle. The following evening on the 30th the film can be a great way to end your day at the Franklin 160th activities, and warm up!”
A Booklist review stated that Hodge’s film is, ". . . an exceptional program for both students and Civil War buffs . . . worthy to be alongside filmmaker Ken Burns' acclaimed The Civil War.”
Historian and CEO of The Battle of Franklin Trust, Eric Jacobson, said, “. . . it remains one of the best and most balanced visual depictions of the Battle of Franklin ever made . . . and never fails to evoke a multitude of emotions. From the musical score to the re-enactment footage, to the careful way in which accounts of the battle are interwoven, the film never lags. The opening scenes are exceptionally powerful, and the conclusion is near perfection.”
Historian, Thomas Cartwright, stated, “This Emmy award-winning DVD truly does justice to Franklin. The scenes depicted herein are as close as anyone will ever wish to be to that vortex of hell.”
One-third of the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards protection of the Franklin battlefield.