Ordeal by Fire; Comet of Fire

WTTW (Television station : Chicago, Ill.) · February 21, 1960

The series begins with a prologue set in 1859. John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry and the effects it had on a potentially explosive situation. Then it moves to March 4, 1861 and Lincoln's first Inaugural Address, and onto the firing on Fort Sumter. The episode ends with description of the preparations for war, the alignment of the states, and the maneuvering in Border States which, due to Southern misfortune, Northern good luck, and political intrigue, joined the Union side. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche) Episode One, Comet of Fire Begins with a prologue set in 1859: John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, inciting the slaves to riot; his capture at the hand of a UNION colonel named Robert E. Lee; his ultimate death by hanging. Events then proceed to March 4, 1861, Lincoln's first Inaugural address, the firing on Fort Sumter and the actual outbreak of Civil War; the roll call of the states as they tumble either into secession or defense of the Union. (23 states for the Union'.11 against). The balance of the program is devoted to the machinations of the crucial Border states: Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, and how, through political intrigue, Union good fortune, and Southern blunder, they wind up on the side of the North.-- accompanying episode description. The program consists of the three hosts reading the story of the Civil War, taking turns narrating and reading speeches or writings from significant figures. The episode begins with telling the story of the Harper's Ferry, VA raid lead by John Brown, and it is followed by a reading of Abraham Lincoln's speech from the day John Brown was hanged. Then, Abraham Lincoln's inauguration is described, with a reading of President Lincoln's inaugural address. The inauguration is followed by the beginning of the Civil War and the reaction of the nation to it, as more states secede and the Confederacy is formed. Maryland and Kentucky are torn over which side to join. The struggle in Missouri becomes open, and the state is split. The confederates begin their march, and the clash of arms is about to begin. From Fletcher Pratt's outstanding history of the Civil War comes an adaptation of Ordeal by Fire which presents in the form of a dramatic reading a narrative of the War between the States. Staring with a prologue describing John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, the series proceeds through the firing on Fort Sumter with a seventeen episode series describing the military course of the war and the political and social effects of the four-year conflict. The Chicago Drama Quartet, which does most of the reading of the text, is assisted by the Art Logan Gospel Singers and the Fifth Army Band, performing music of Thomas A. Dorsey. The series was prepared by WTTW in Chicago. The Chicago Drama Quartet was founded by William Friedkin, who produced and directed Ordeal by Fire, for the purpose of doing local dramatic productions. Members include Francis Coughlin, Stanley Gordon, Charles Spoon, Win Stracke, Thomas Garvey and Gordon Gould. Among other things which the Quartet has done have been special programs on Oliver Wendell Holmes, Clarence Darrow, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This is the first large scale production for television, which the Quarter has done. The Art Logan Singers are a group which has previously made special television appearances on Channel 11 in Chicago, singing chiefly religious music. They also sing at special church meetings in the Chicago area. This series of 17 half-hour episodes was originally recorded on videotape. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche) "Acting on the belief that the origins, development, and tragedy of the War Between the States was grossly misunderstood by most Americans, William Friedkin, WTTW-Channel 11 Producer-Director, has sought to present an objective view in dramatic educational form of this conflict. Working on his own interest, Mr. Friedkin obtained local and national television rights to adapt Mr. Fletcher Pratt's 'Short History of the Civil War' (sub-titled 'Ordeal By Fire') for television adaptation"--accompanying letter.