Martin Sheen's Favorite Stories from Gettysburg (Interview Clip)

[@BradCarr_]

Interested? Here's the full episode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXO3h2V9ipxmmNU

[@WORLD8NSH5KNIGHT1]

Gettysburg is a hugely underrated film.

[@ARCtrooperblueleader]

@Centrist Philosopher - I completely agree.

[@StreetFighter2010]

@Leo Peridot - What are you talking about? Gettysburg is probably the most historically accurate war film Hollywood has ever made. The other movies you list are historical fiction. Big difference.

[@jamesrawlins735]

@Leo Peridot You mentioned BRAVEHEART???? One of the most inaccurate historical films ever

[@jamesrawlins735]

@Leo Peridot HACKSAW RIDGE is for the most part fairly accurate as far as the war scenes go (although the timeline is altered - not uncommon with movie histories), although admittedly much of the story before the war is highly fictionalized. I don't think PASSION is intended to be a strictly historical representation - but then we are dealing with The Gospels, written many years after the events and in three of the four gospel writers, by men who were not eyewitnesses. The aim of that film is to show the suffering of Christ, whether or not you accept Jesus as the Son of God. But Braveheart is much more flawed from a historical perspective. The same thing applies with THE PATRIOT, which is just as flawed on the historical front. Enjoyable movies, yes, but not great history. (Of course, movies aren't history textbooks. For example, there were 2 Wyatt Earp movies that came out at the same time - Kurt Russell's TOMBSTONE and Kevin Costner's WYATT EARP. Costner's movie is far closer to the actual history of Earp - but I'd much rather watch TOMBSTONE.

[@EscanV]

@Leo Peridot Watch Atun-Shei Films

[@danieljoseph4625]

I was blessed to be one of the re-enactors in this film back in 1992, as well as in "Gods and Generals" in 2001. Awesome memories!

[@BradCarr_]

Daniel Plaster, thanks for sharing! Do you have a favorite story?

[@enlightenedwarrior7119]

Did the third movie come out ? And will it if not

[@BradCarr_]

@@enlightenedwarrior7119 i don't think so. Who would star in it?

[@alabamaal225]

@@enlightenedwarrior7119 After the disappointing reception and revenue of "Gods and Generals," Turner Productions announced in 2003 that there would not be a sequel to "G&G" made by this company.

[@justmyopinion628]

Nice work Daniel. Thank you.

[@christennant8690]

Sheen should have been up for an Oscar for his portrayal of General Lee. Richard Jordan was fantastic as General Armistead.

[@BradCarr_]

so true!

[@RodolfLeclerc]

@@BradCarr_ Although Sheen was fantastic, my absolute favorite in the film is Tom Berenger. Such a subdue acting job as Longstreet. Also the guy who portray Picket (his name escape me) is awesome, but that actor has always been a pleasure to watch in all the role I saw him.

[@martinlaird4738]

Pierre Bouchard Stephen Lang plays Pickett, he also plays Stonewall Jackson in Gods and Generals. A brilliant actor

[@christennant8690]

@Leo Peridot Well the actors who players who played the Confederate were all outstanding in their roles. Jeff Daniels played Colonel Chamberlain (Union) and also fantastic in his role.

[@redwoodprosth]

@@christennant8690 Sam Eliot as Buford

[@Grossman2868]

Gettysburg falls into the same category as A Wonderful Life, it wasn't full appreciated at the time, but it has become an all time classic. I've had the DVD for decades and parts still bring me to tears.

[@BradCarr_]

it's amazing how it does impact so many people like that

[@unbreakable7633]

Pickett's Charge in the movie gives one a sense of what it must have been like. Moving and exciting.

[@knowsmebyname]

Excellent comparison. And very true. We watch It's A Wonderful Life, every Christmas, so we have researched it. They both did ok but not great. They both are marathon films. Now they are both classics

[@Goliad_Respector]

I can’t imagine cutting the dialogue in Gettysburg. I don’t know what parts but IMO that movie has some of the most incredible moments of dialogue in film history.

[@BradCarr_]

thanks for sharing, it was a great movie!

[@michaelsnyder6922]

The whole Hancock/Armistead thing could have been cut since it was completely false. The preachy parts with Chamberlain and the sergeant should’ve been cut. Aside from those it’s a brilliant film

[@dashsocur]

@@michaelsnyder6922 Agreed. There's a lot of other great dialogue scenes that should stay but those two always make me hit the "next scene" button on the DVD remote.

[@outfield1988]

I wanted to even know more and a mini series box set would be perfect for me.

[@chung2055]

Gettysburg is still an excellent movie after 30 years.

[@Leon-bc8hm]

Still is 2024. Especially with MAGA running about. Its not over yet.

[@barbaralock33]

My favorite story from the movie Gettysburg and Martin Sheen is from the opening night party in Gettysburg. It took place at the Gettysburg Hotel and as I was the F&B manager at the historic Gettysburg Hotel during that time, it was an exciting night. All the biggies from the film were there. After some cocktails and hors d' oeuvres, all left to go to the Majestic Theatre for the film screening...opening night! We went through our night in the usual manner serving dinner until 9 or 10 PM. Later, about 9:30PM, Martin Sheen came into our very small service galley kitchen. Seeing a tray of pastries that we used to demo desserts at guests' dinner tables, he asked if he could have a piece. He said, "I didn't get a chance to eat today". I said, "Mr. Sheen, please let me get you a fresh cut piece". But he had already picked it up and was about to take a bite. Just then, the fans found him and came into the galley kitchen single file as they waited to speak with Mr. Sheen and get his autograph. He was so very gracious as he put down the piece of cake and began to speak with his fans and sign their programs. What a kind gracious gesture from a man with food on his mind.

[@elviscobb5922]

Thank you for sharing that story.

[@DATo_DATonian]

In 'The Making Of Gettysburg' the actor, Warren Burton, who portrayed Major General Henry Heth of the Confederacy confided that many of the re-enactors in the Pickett's Charge scene were openly weeping as they marched toward the Union lines. That affected me more than all of the other stories I have ever heard about this movie.

[@BradCarr_]

wow, thanks for sharing!

[@bradleykeefer8896]

I was one of the those reenactors filming Pickett's Charge on the actual battlefield. At one point during the overhead scenes where they used a drone to capture the advancing lines, the entire army kept going past the original stopping point and marched all the way to the Emmittsburg Road fence. It caused a huge traffic jam and made the Park folks mad, but it was a terrific moment for all the troops. Stephen Lang rode up to our company and when we presented arms, he saluted, bowed, and said "good work boys." After that they filmed us staggering back after the repulse of the attack and men were weeping as this once grand division returned broken to its starting point. None of that footage made it into the movie, but we will always remember it.

[@RMB42]

I observed the same thing at the 135th G-burg event in 1998. For Pickett's Charge on the third day my regiment (Union) was at The Angle, and unlike some events where some of the same reenactors may play either side ("galvanize") to even out the numbers, there was no problem getting the numbers for that event. We were told the numbers on the field were very close to the actual number of troops engaged on July 3rd. '63, and it sure looked like it. Most who wore blue that day were actual northerners (my unit was from Ohio) and the Rebs were actual Southerners. As tended to be true in that hobby, the Union troops were pretty matter-of-fact about the event, whereas many of the southern boys had an emotional investment in what they were doing. After the guns went silent on the third day and the smoke cleared, I saw some wearing butternut and gray sitting on the field overcome with emotion. That was the last national event I attended before I "retired" from the hobby. My uniform still has Gettysburg dirt on it from sleeping on the ground at that event.

[@manhalen7046]

@@RMB42 Thats awesome man

[@cympimpin20]

​@@bradleykeefer8896interesting story given that they didn't use drones for filmmaking back when this movie was made.

[@millieatr]

One thing I feel Martin really nailed about playing Lee was the Sadness in his face

[@BradCarr_]

brad fiser, totally! did you see where we discussed Lee's sadness in the full interview? Martin's take on it was very interesting

[@JTwiss88]

He also did a good job of depicting an exhausted lee (with the whole thing that R.E Lee more than likely suffered a heart attack during the battle)

[@BradCarr_]

@@JTwiss88 definitely

[@marcopolokitty]

I agree. He looked sad and tired and sick, which he was -he had a heart attack earlier in the year and should have taken a longer time to heal. Sheen captured all of those things.

[@cejannuzi]

He needed 4 inch wedges in the heels of his boots though. Also, he didn't look comfortable on a horse, while Lee was a great horseman.

[@clarkcoleman9793]

The sound track was simply terrific . Conveyed the emotions of the every scene.

[@papapabs175]

Wasn’t to long for me & I’m a Brit 🇬🇧. Excellent acting from the cast.

[@BradCarr_]

thanks for sharing paul

[@aztronomy7457]

Watched the 4.5 hour extended version of Gettysburg today. Could have been 6 hours. Was the perfect length.

[@BradCarr_]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@benatsea1]

Martin Sheen is always such a kind man and a gentleman, his portrayal of General Lee was excellent

[@dougpowell8838]

It was, only he was not tall enough. Long street is too much taller.

[@Willysmb44]

I thought Sheen did a good job playing Lee. Great story about President Carter, by the way!

[@Gwaithmir]

I was disappointed that Martin Sheen wasn't available to reprise his role as General Lee in Gods & Generals.

[@BradCarr_]

Gwaithmir, yes, why was that? I wish I'd brought it up now that you mention it

[@Gwaithmir]

Sheen was committed to the TV series West Wing at the time Gods & Generals was in production, or so I was told.

[@BradCarr_]

@@Gwaithmir makes sense

[@michaelr3583]

A lot of people say that robert Duvall did a better lee

[@BradCarr_]

@@michaelr3583 what do you think?

[@maxkazzora4234]

Martin Sheens story on meeting Jimmy Carter was brilliant. 👍

[@Gord2150]

I thought Stephen Lang's portrayal of Stonewall Jackson in Gods and Generals was worthy of an Oscar

[@michealjones3297]

The plot twist where Stonewall went to Pandora to command troops and mine unobtainium was crazy, did not see that coming

[@DATo_DATonian]

@@michealjones3297 JESUS CHRIST !!!! I had no idea that was him in that part!!!! Thanks for the head's up!

[@timothylamer5537]

@@michealjones3297 Was that before or after he went to Tombstone and fought at the OK Corral without a gun?

[@JEFFREYcjones-xg2cy]

As a re-enactor I was a member of the 24th Michigan Regiment of Volunteers...great experience and we also were extras in the GETTYSBURG movie where we shot the Pickett's Charge scenes...as both Union and Confederate soldiers!!!

[@ARCtrooperblueleader]

Gettysburg remains one of my favorite films of all time. My only complaint is that they should have kept a lot of the deleted scenes in.

[@eichelbergergary]

most all were re-inserted into the DVD anniversary release a few years back. Yes, some excellent scenes and of great expository value to the film as well.

[@BradCarr_]

which would you have kept?

[@Holdit66]

And taken a lot of the music out.

[@Holdit66]

@@BradCarr_ If I may, until ARCtrooperbloueleader answers, I would have kept the confrontation between Lee and Stuart, even though I imagine it was fictional. There is so much talk of Stuart's absence and how it leaves the Army of Northern Virginia in the dark, then eventually he turns up, and...that's it, it's never mentioned again. The confrontation would have closed that sub-plot nicely, as well as showing Lee's approach to man-management. But if I'm right about it being hypothetical, then it's easy to imagine it being a candidate for the chop when the running length needed to be reduced.

[@BradCarr_]

@@Holdit66 thank you for the thoughtful comment!

[@badguy1481]

Two GREAT movies Martin Sheen starred in. "Apocalypse Now" and "Gettysburg". Maybe, in my opinion, two of the greatest pictures ever produced in the USA.

[@BradCarr_]

BADGUY 1, what makes them great?

[@BradCarr_]

@Don2615 :)

[@badguy1481]

@Patrick Ancona Apocalypse Now, in my opinion, was NOT an attempt to portray the Vietnam War accurately. According to the makers of the film It was a modern adaptation of the book "Heart of Darkness", using the Vietnam War as a "stage prop". I liken it more to Mark Twain's "Huck Finn"...which was a social commentary on the South prior to the Civil War and was accomplished via a river voyage, much like that in Apocalypse Now.... where the characters encounter strange but interesting people and situations as they meander down the Mississippi. In both stories the main characters undergo a change of personality and outlook. Sheen becomes a monster who has given in to the basest nature of human beings...and Huck Finn changes his opinion of Slaves and the institution of Slavery to established a real affection and desire to see his "slave" companion, Jim, FREE.

[@megpryor29]

Apocalypse Now is in the top ten of all movies in the history of movies. Sheen gives an Army assassin a kind of humanity that is frightening. He looked and behaved rationally - sort of. When he didn't, when he broke his facade, you really could see that this was a man used to killing. I won't spoil the ending but you know he's a different at the last scene. It is an incredible ride and worth seeking out the final cut that Coppola made this past year. BTW, it had absolutely NO computer generated images. All the bombings, the fires, the fist in the mirror were real. The scenes in the helicopters were shot in real helicopters flying above the Phillipines. Check out the documentary called Hearts of Darkness. It's about the movie. Sheen deserved an Academy Award for it. Oh, and he replaced Harvey Keitel as the lead. Keitel just couldn't give Coppola what he wanted and got booted.

[@BradCarr_]

Hey everybody, enjoy this clip from recent interview with Martin Sheen 😀

[@lisakado]

Thanks so much! That was awesome -- a movie-theatre story about two of my favorite people! (I told my brother about this ... he's a big-time film/history/politics geek ... and he burst out laughing and started telling everyone else he knew.)

[@carolcraig2580]

Love this!

[@d.a.2742]

Gettysburg was one of those movies that needed to be three parts each 2 hours long ...that way each part could concentrate on each day and not miss out on the history of each day ! Martin is right less dialogue except for the important dialogue and more battle scenes to truly tell the story of the legendary battle!

[@BradCarr_]

@dennis aldeman, yes there's so much to the story

[@DJSpike-ft9yw]

@@BradCarr_ I love the dialogue, the only one I would cut out is maybe the evolution talk with General Pickett.

[@warringtonfaust1088]

@@DJSpike-ft9yw I don't know, it presents an actual argument at the time "Do you believe Gen. Lee (or other respected personage) is descended from apes?" Actually, now we know that we aren't. We, and apes, have a common ancestor.

[@cejannuzi]

Yeah, it should have been a TV mini-series. Not a 3 hour feature film. It just doesn't work well for that.

[@jayuihlein1664]

Martin Sheen did a spendid job in the role of General Lee. Convinced, I thought I as actually listening to the real General. Well done, Mr. Sheen!

[@goranstyrman3588]

Gettysburg is a very intresting movie if you would like to learn more about American history, but it is also a portrait of Lee. Sheen makes a marvelous characterization as Lee in the movie, for which he should have received an Oscar. Also the other actors make splendid performances, especailly Daniels.

[@BradCarr_]

Daniels was so fun to watch!

[@skoltoj]

It was a crowd scene. I actually heard both names being shouted, and it is quite possible that across the entire group Lee would have been considered be louder. What I was concentrating much more on and didn't pay too much attention to the noise what was the reaction of the reenactors. They were very moved and I saw someone who actually on the verge of tears. it was extraordinary what the effect one man riding simply on a horse to a group of knowledgeable men had. Whoever's in charge of that particular scene did a very good job. Dr McKeon Atlanta

[@BradCarr_]

Dr McKeon, thank you for sharing so boldly :)

[@Cully5x5]

I was on set that day, at another location doing another scene. The scene with Sheen as Lee was "first set". During what was called "Pickett's Charge Week". This was the week when they had about 4,500 - 5,000 re-enactors come out to film Pickett's Charge. We heard about it when we came back in to the main lunch tent. Some of the guys who we were with had been in that scene. They said the rush by the Confederates to Lee was totally spontaneous. It simply happened. Unscripted. So spontaneous in fact, the camera's weren't all rolling when it happened. The First Set Director, realizing the power of the moment, re-staged the scene, this time with the camera's rolling. As I recall, at least 2x more. With just as much emotion. The result of which you see in the film. The cast and crew who were there, described it as one of the most amazing things they had ever seen. It was real. I spent 3 weeks on set doing various battle scenes. 3 of the most enjoyable weeks of my life. An experience, if I had a choice, I would revisit in a heart beat. Cheers. P. Culliton.

[@thewey]

Love Gettysburg. My heart bleeds for both sides as I find myself torn between both sides like a parent witnessing two loving brothers trying to kill each other. May God Give Peace and Restoration to All Those Who Fought in the Civil War.

[@fasteddie4145]

a good interviewer lets the guest talk without interuption......like this guy did.....

[@BradCarr_]

fasteddie4145, thank you for the generous compliment! How did you get interested in this clip? Gettysburg fan?

[@johnshacklett2265]

Yes, he did a good job of interviewing Mr. Sheen.

[@BradCarr_]

@@johnshacklett2265 thanks John :)

[@Canopus68]

Standing where the Union gun line was gave me chills. To think that my ancestors fought on both sides is mind blowing and very sad.

[@BradCarr_]

@Bill Hunter, wow, such an amazing moment in history. Thanks for sharing your personal connection

[@railsplitters79]

Gettysburg is one of my all time favorite movies. And with all due respect, I can’t think a line of “chatter” I would have removed from the final edit.

[@lindagoad2163]

"Well Lawrence he died" kind of stands out as one.

[@coeurdelion1193]

My grandmother's grandfather was in the Grand Army of the Potomac. He got sick on picket duty, which turned into consumption as they called it then, TB now. He served the entire war. He died in 1889 from the TB. She said her mother passed on to her that his biggest complaint during the war, as well as many of the soldiers, was how cold they always were. More of them died from disease than from bullets. I have his tin type photo. His uniform and many other tin types were lost in a house fire in 1910. The one I have of him is from the 1880s.

[@BradCarr_]

thanks for sharing

[@Ingens_Scherz]

The most deserved but totally ignored Oscar-winning performance of all time. My word, this good and ultra-talented man is hated (feared, more like) by the power that he fearlessly speaks to in his own country to this day. What a shame.

[@BradCarr_]

@ludocrat, thank you for sharing your generous praise of Martin! Did you enjoy the full-length interview?

[@jamescurran9002]

I visited Gettysburg the very weekend that the movie was released. I had never been. Did the whole foot walk all around the battlefield. Anyway, I got back home on that Monday. Of course I had to see the movie. As Sheen states, its totally filmed on the actual battlefield. Talk about Deja Vu...I recognized every tree, every rock....

[@BradCarr_]

thanks for sharing

[@rc648]

I reenacted at the 135th and 150th G'burg events. We had enough reenactors to do a full scale Pickett's Charge. When you take a hit on the field and look around at thousands of others laying dead or wounded you get a little glimpse of 'seeing the elephant' and what it would have been like. Some of the actors loved it so much they came back out for the anniversary events - Patrick Gorman, Brian Mallon to name a couple. I think what made the film a success was using real reenactors. They supplied their own uniforms, gear, etc...and most take it very seriously to look authentic in every detail. We all can tear the movies apart with the fake beards, bad accents, etc..but, it is the best Hollywood will ever do for a civil war movie. My only other complaint is all the time spent on the 20th Maine....far too much emphasis on them.

[@geoffreytudor5674]

Chamberlain was such an iconic figure, though, and so representative of the diverse motives of Union volunteers. From saving the flank at Little Round Top, to being near mortally wounded, to accepting the surrender of Lee's troops (affording them the dignity due their valor without judging them for the iniquity of their cause), he represented the best we had to offer.

[@jimhurst82]

@Let Your L⚡️GHT Forever Shine ❤️ It was a war, what a pathetic remark

[@shirlthegirl631]

@@geoffreytudor5674 Thanks for the kind words about Chamberlain. My husband is related to Joshua Chamberlain, and I’ve heard all the family stories over the past 40 yrs.

[@melissapollom427]

Oh, Mr. Sheen, you and President Carter are two of my favorite people.❤

[@barbaradavis393]

I never saw the movie in the theater. Several years later it was on TMC. I was making my bed and quit for a minute when it started. 4.5 hours later, I got up and finished the bed. It was a long movie, but a compelling one.

[@rawprawn8198]

Fantastic film. So many moments of sheer challenge, pain and brilliance.

[@BradCarr_]

yes, very touching!

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

Great interview with a great actor...Martin Sheen. I never agreed with his politics. Love those behind the scene promo interviews. There is always some story you never heard of to add interest to the interview. Thank you for sharing.

[@BradCarr_]

thanks for sharing!

[@snake316171]

Fun movie fact: the scene where Lee (Sheen), is galloping by the troops and everyone crowds around him screaming. Wasn't scripted, my fellow reenactors were caught in the moment and Maxwell started rolling cameras to capture it.

[@DATo_DATonian]

They were actually cheering Martin Sheen not Lee. Probably the first famous actor they encountered during production.

[@themantheycouldntrootshoot7985]

I enjoyed that and still enjoy the movie. I first saw it at a huge old cinema here in australia. I expected there would be a small audience but the line went around the block and it was quickly sold out. Quite a few wore period clothes including an entire outlaw motor cycle gang that thundered in on their motorbikes dressed in confederate uniforms. It was quite a spectacle. Amazing how Gettysburg resonates with people on the other side of the world.

[@BradCarr_]

wow! I never would've guessed that. thanks for sharing!

[@iagobrothers]

Haha ... I wasn't at that screening but I saw it in Australia when it came out in 1994 in 70mm. I was only 16 at the time but I loved it so much I watched it three times in a month at the cinema. (Which given the running time was quite a feat!)

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

My son and I watched it in Brisbane Qld Australia too, they had a ACW display with a lot of reenactors set up in the Foyer of the old Theatre where it was shown.

[@robertwaid3579]

To Brad Carr & Martin Sheen, Thank You both So much for Sharing that Wonderful Interview. IT'S made Me Cry 😂😭 My Heart Out. Thanks.

[@BradCarr_]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@salspataro9389]

I LOVE Martin Sheen! A Great Man and a Great Actor!

[@BradCarr_]

agreed! great man

[@thomasstarkey4538]

All the actors in Gettysburg did very well playing their roles, but I feel Martin Sheen and Jeff Daniels were the two that should have won an Oscar for theirs. I was excited to see Jeff come back to play Chamberlain in God's and Generals but was sad to see Martin didn't, no one could ever play Lee as he did.

[@simjtuder2531]

Very, very good interview. Would have to disagree with Martin regarding action & dialogue scenes. I believe the dialogue scenes were needed. Added information about the generals, why they were at Gettysburg. I have been visiting Gettysburg since I was 4 y/o. I’m 74. Born in PA, I remember being at the Angle my first time. Remember looking to my left and thinking ‘I’ve been here before’…it was the direction Pickett’s Charge came from. One can never learn or read enough about this battle. The movie did a great service to history. Thank you Ted Turner and those who made it possible.

[@1oldgit]

Shame Last Full Measure wasn't made :)

[@BradCarr_]

Justa Rider, what's that?

[@nephite467]

@@BradCarr_ last novel in the series

[@bawbremy]

Last Full Measure is the best book of the series. The title ties it to Gettysburg elegantly while deftly associating the finality of individual devotion and the conclusion of the war. A real shame a movie of this book was not made.

[@BradCarr_]

@@nephite467 ah I see

[@BradCarr_]

@@bawbremy think it could be done in the future?

[@kensilverstone1656]

The battle scenes were eye-opening. I have never seen anything like it. Sheen was terrific.

[@j.f.699]

I saw it in the days of VHS. When it was in two tapes you knew it was a long move. Current young audiences with short attention spans would not go through that. I thought it was good. I never knew about the round top bayonet charge. One giant example of many heroic deeds.

[@orvillemeadows9923]

I’m so glad to see this people need to read the book the killer angles and see the movie Gettysburg now more than ever

[@BradCarr_]

@Orville Meadows, great film!

[@chukkachick1879]

Mr. Sheen was fantastic as Robert E. Lee. He captured very well the soft-spoken religious Virginian "gentleman". Tom Berenger's performance as Gen. Longstreet is the finest of his career. Quality acting.

[@BradCarr_]

Maitre Savard, what did you like about Tom Berenger's performance?

[@chukkachick1879]

@@BradCarr_ Everything. His gravity, his thoughtfulness. He accurately portrayed Longstreet's personality. I just wish the cosmetics dept. on the film did a better job with his beard.

[@BradCarr_]

@@chukkachick1879 so true, especially the gravity, it was palpable!

[@ricktempleton3415]

Couldn't agree more the best film ever.

[@mlbrooks4066]

I can't remember where I heard the story, but one of the reenactors was a local kid who was walking a long way home at the end of the day and Sheen, driving to the house they had rented for him, saw him, picked him up, and drove him home.

[@stevewright8204]

Great film & great actors, general Lee was my boyhood hero, used to play him in the playground 🇬🇧👍

[@BradCarr_]

yes, excellent!

[@teller1290]

Yeh, that won't happen again. Nobody will know he was in two generations.

[@K_R87]

I’m sorry but I love that the movie is 3.5 hours long. I’m very biased it’s my favorite time period all of the back story for each character is absolutely wonderful.

[@BradCarr_]

great point!

[@badguy1481]

@@BradCarr_ There was just TOO much to tell....TOO much... TOO important... to leave out. It should have been a 10 part...installment... motion picture. If we could do "Star Wars" in 6...We should have done Gettysburg in 10.

[@BradCarr_]

@@badguy1481 ha! i like your take on it

[@dennisderr3478]

My favorite movie over the years!

[@eichelbergergary]

Lots of references to Gods and Generals. For those who have not done so, I highly recommend the re-edited, director’s cut version that is formatted as five one-hour chapters. The continuity is much better,and there is just lots more to see. It really changes some people’s negative opinions to positive. Far better than the theatrical version, in my opinion.

[@BradCarr_]

Gary, thanks for sharing

[@runningwithscissors0911]

Love Martin Sheen. Have been a fan since I first saw him in the 1975 TV movie The Last Survivors. Magnificent in The West Wing and Frankie & Grace.

[@BradCarr_]

Yes, his portfolio of work is incredible. It was so fun to talk with him

[@pamdavis1253]

Loved this! Thank you. Stories were awesome.

[@BradCarr_]

Pam Davis, thank you for sharing! Did you check out the full length interview?

[@HardscrabbleBlake1968]

I would never have imagined Martin Sheen as R.E. Lee but he did a great job.

[@BradCarr_]

what did you like about his portrayal?

[@HardscrabbleBlake1968]

@@BradCarr_ I thought he captured a guy trying to remain calm and reserved and gentlemanly while under tremendous stress and strain very well. And the little human touches like talking to his horses or chewing out JEB Stuart and then smoothing it over were well done. I thought Robert Duvall would be the perfect Lee in Gods and Generals, but Sheen was better.

[@BradCarr_]

@@HardscrabbleBlake1968 very nicely put, I hadn't thought about those human touches until you put it like that

[@HardscrabbleBlake1968]

@@BradCarr_ The best performance in that movie was Richard Jordan playing Lewis Armistead. I think he died shortly after it was made.

[@ussexeter4601]

Nothing against Sheen, but Duvall was the better Lee IMO.

[@carlruf9037]

Sheen was great as Robert E. Lee in "Gettysburg". They could have elevated his physical stature somewhat thru complimentory camera angles or using props as Lee was a relatively tall man (like Washington and Lincoln) during his time and place in history. Only other issue about "Gettysburg"..? It was too clean. It looked more like a present day CW reenactment rather than a Hollywood special effects movie. Had it applied some special effects like in "Saving Private Ryan", even though gory, I think it would have given more impact overall and represented what truly occurred there.

[@Jonger81]

One of my favorite Martin Sheen roles. He is right about it being long, but I enjoyed it as a civil war nut.

[@historicalmistakes8732]

Martin Sheen played a great Lee I thought and the movie followed the book fairly well

[@BradCarr_]

for sure!

[@danmc7815]

Disagree. To me, it seems like Sheen played Lee as slightly off his rocker, not quite all there. I still love the movie.

[@susanshaver4848]

Martin is a gem!!!!!

[@BradCarr_]

for sure!

[@michaelmelen9062]

I was an extra in two episodes of "West Wing" years ago, and of course Martin Sheen played the President in that series. In the episode where his daughter graduates from college, I was in the crowd attending graduation. When it was time for lunch, the actors went to their trailers... except for Martin Sheen who ate lunch with the extras. Classy guy! BTW, I was also in the next episode: the one about the FBI Guy's left elbow. Oh, and the President's daughter gets kidnapped, too.

[@BradCarr_]

Michael Melen, thanks for sharing that story. Martin is super classy. Here in Malibu, I see him mixing with everyday people all the time. What are you acting in now?

[@michaelmelen9062]

@@BradCarr_ West Wing was the last of it. I got a very demanding job in 2009, had a stroke in 2011, and had to retire in 2016 on disability. I was forced to pass on all further scripts featuring an FBI Guy's left elbow!

[@BradCarr_]

@@michaelmelen9062 those left elbow roles are clutch! thanks for sharing :)

[@bawshawg4344]

The closed captions are just special. "He took Sadat to get his burger."

[@BradCarr_]

Baws Hawg, gosh, thanks for pointing that out! I use the automated CC provided by KZbin to make these more accessible. Any tips for a fast, low-cost way to add my own CC?

[@wallacebell4311]

Baws Hawg *an

[@bawshawg4344]

@@wallacebell4311 ?

[@jimb5796]

I didn't know that Carter took Sadat to Gettysburg and told him what he did.

[@BradCarr_]

Jim B, neither did I, pretty amazing stuff

[@mt22201]

Gettysburg is very close to Camp David. Carter took Sadat, Begin, and their military and political advisers. The military people were excited because they had studied the battle in war college, and the politicians were excited to visit the site of Lincoln’s great address.

[@carlruf9037]

Very odd....The movie "Gettysburg" was filmed in 1992. Sadat was assassinated in 1981.

[@mt22201]

@@carlruf9037 I can't tell whether you misunderstood or whether you're trying to make a joke. Carter took Sadat to the Gettysburg battlefield (not the movie) in 1978.

[@TGSureal]

The Farnsworth House in Gettysburg has a nice collection of movie worn uniforms, and trinkets. Apparently the actors used to frequent the tavern when they were in town during filming.

[@unknownperson2422]

One of my most favorite movies ever.

[@richardallgood815]

My Gt Gt Gt Grandfather was there with the 56th Va Infantry under Picketts command. Our family has over 100 letters he had written to his wife. He talked about loosing his equipment in the chaos after the charge and how he thought they were whooped after the battle because the North had as many civilians ready to fight that the South had soldiers. I often wonder what he did during Picketts charge. Did he go, was he held back for some reason or did he lay down when the firing started? He enlisted right after the start of the war and was captured heading towards Appomattox near Farmville VA and died as a POW at Point Lookout MD. a week after the war ended. RIP C.W. Thomas 56th Va Infantry

[@BradCarr_]

Richard Allgood, wow, thank you for sharing

[@talbotsplace7316]

I was in the midst of crisis stations as a project manager in an IT role when that movie debuted in Atlanta. I told my boss frankly that I had waited all my life for that, and I was going regardless. And so I did, weighed down with various communications devices and hourly call ins. When AP Hill appeared in his red battle shirt, my brother and I had to work very hard to keep from crying; it was such a wonderful moment for us and we'd waited so long. But we did stand up and cheer. We were not the only ones.

[@BradCarr_]

So glad it meant so much to you! thanks for sharing that great story

[@johnfoster535]

Being that the North won, today's historical accounts are all political.....often slanted and distorted and missing the human emotion experienced by Americans on BOTH sides of the bloody and tragic struggle, where the South lost the flower of a whole generation and the North bled white as Irish and German regiments replaced the hundreds of thousands of dead native Yankees on the battlefield. I am struck by the scene of spontaneous cheering for Lee on his horse, just before Picketts Charge.......something not planned by the filmakers.....it was eerily reminiscent of actual events, like Lee at Chancellorsville. Lee was beloved.....even in death for many generations. His decision to defend his cherished home , instead of taking an offer to attack it, raises questions STILL about the legitimacy of the war itself and the fact that thousands of southern boys were fighting because their homes were going to be attacked and NOT for slavery itself. Lee was admired North and South.......he WAS a great American hero that Winston Churchill described : " ....the most noble of all Americans, and one of the greatest military commanders in the annals of war ". Lee's character and self sacrifice draws admiration still TODAY, because Americans long for such a leader in the face of endless corruption which, until recently, has ruled our nation. Who can admire a leader whose son goes to the Ukraine to collect 3.5 million dollars after being kicked out of the military on drug offenses. This was a Vice President now running for President........an example of total corruption. Considering the urban decay, high school dropout rate, illiteracy,crime, overfilled prisons, violence, and drug use in our cities......some Americans know in their heart that Lee was fighting for US in the end......wasn't he ??

[@nickroberts-xf7oq]

Jimmy Carter was a good man. 👍 I had an elderly friend who was a fan and wanted her copy of his book signed at a book signing he did in the 90s. I stood on line for her, and was maybe 3 feet from him, only a table between us. He was very kind. Maybe the last "good democrat". 🇺🇸

[@ahall442]

All these interviews, all these people, never thought I would ever see this sort of thing.... Good to see. And yes, I am slightly mature in age...

[@BradCarr_]

A Hall, what is that you didn't think you would ever see? The volume of media? The vulnerability of celebrities?

[@752brickie]

Stephan Lang played Pickett and I believe he played Jackson in Gods and Generals but I could be wrong about that. He is a wonderful actor. He was also in Tombstone. I feel he is one of the most underrated actors in America. I think he is AMAZING!

[@caszper87]

I tear up during Picket's charge regardless of how many times I've seen it

[@BradCarr_]

totally understand

[@brianb8060]

A big part is the music.

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

Richard Jordan talking to Col Fremantle is maybe the best writing in an absolutely bombproof script. That line just before the attack where he says "You may tell them that all Virginia was here" breaks me and I'm from California.

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

@@TheNerdForAllSeasons Richard Jordan was actually suffering from terminal Cancer when he portrayed Brigadier Armistead, the scene where he was cut down mortally wounded at the Union line near the Artillery pieces was very personal for him, he was exhausted and in great pain but had refused be medically withdrawn from his role. He died not long aterwards.

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

@@ardshielcomplex8917 he was a hell of an actor. Gone way too soon.

[@lendir1]

I met Tom Berenger, while he was filming Major league 2, and I didn't even realize it was him.

[@BradCarr_]

ha! :)

[@thomast8539]

Mm hmmm, now that boy can sing.

[@charlesyost2901]

Hey Brendan. This is amazing! Great interview!! Martin Sheen is awesome. "Gettysburg" is my favorite movie. Remember when I used to watch it at Ford Hall?

[@BradCarr_]

@Charles Yost, Hey Charlie! Wow, great to hear from you! Yes, I can remember being almost moved to tears by this movie back at Ford Hall. Thanks for being the first person to watch it with me :)

[@Philobiblion]

Gettysburg is up there with Waterloo (1970) with Christopher Plummer and Rod Steiger. Incidentally, if you compare photos of Martin Sheen in his 30s with the 1845 portrait of Lee with his young son 'Rooney' you will see that Sheen could have convincingly played Lee at that stage of life as well. Kind of strange.

[@7Ghoste]

I don't think it was long at all. I seen it twice in the theaters and many more on DVD (and now VUDU). Even bought the CD soundtrack from The Warehouse when those were still around. Wonderful acting! Great movie!

[@retiredyeti5555]

I remember the first time I saw Martin Sheen in a role - it was a TV drama about a young man coming out of the closet. It was sometime in the early 70's, I believed then and still do, that he is a damn good actor!

[@BradCarr_]

@Dale W Miller, thanks for sharing! What did you think of Gettysburg?

[@retiredyeti5555]

@@BradCarr_ - I have not seen it. I was working 2nd shift when it was on TV. Have only seen clips on KZbin.

[@wolfsden3812]

The Carter story was great

[@BradCarr_]

chris chabra, totally! Martin's had such an amazing set of experiences to share :)

[@TRNATO1]

Sheen should always sport a beard. Amazing actor...

[@BradCarr_]

@Er Kci, no doubt he's a master! Did you check out the full length interview episode?

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I agree about there being to much dialogue and not enough action in the movie. Still it was a great flick. My 2nd great grandfather fought there with the 149th PA Bucktails...

[@johnmiller5678]

Awesome interview

[@tomlax28]

Martin’s story about the Fox Theatre in Atlanta is classic.

[@BradCarr_]

he's a great storyteller!

[@timothywalker4563]

I saw the photo with President Sadat with the cannon and all the Principles at Gettysburg what a photo men trying to solve an old problem standing next to an old weapon of war. Wow the irony of it all. Great story Martin😊

[@Guitcad1]

OMG, Marin! How did you not recognize that voice? There is only one voice like that!

[@BradCarr_]

ha! Carter is iconic

[@reneaguilar3471]

Maybe the president was talking a bit lower and his voice changed

[@RobertDeMoll]

That second story is something that SHOULD BE KNOW to the public

[@hectormedina8016]

Mr. Sheen. I loved the movie. I don’t think there was too much chatter.

[@BradCarr_]

thanks for sharing Hector

[@jamesb.2064]

Best civil war film of all time.

[@BradCarr_]

it's excellent!

[@jenniferlewis1437]

Love this movie. Hard to think Jeff Daniels went from this (fantastic) to Dumb and Dumber.😐

[@cgtq1986]

But he later went from that to The Newsroom... Jeff Daniels is underrated AF.

[@snakeenjoyingacanofbeans5219]

Jeff Bridges should have beem in the movie too.

[@Trazyn_the_Infinite_40K]

Implying Dumb and Dumber isn't a good film. 😑 The first thing I saw Jeff Daniels in was that movie when I was very young. I was later introduced to his more serious films as I got older and can appreciate even more his depth as an actor.

[@EnemyOfMagats]

He was also in Speed. 93/94? Can't remember the exact year.

[@blindriv3r]

@Steve L Yeah, he did a great job as the psycho villain in the Eastwood movie Blood Work

[@traveller4790]

"A fish annatto?" Really? I believe the term is "aficionado." Gotta love closed captions! "Gettysburg" is one of my favorite movies, but I will admit that it was way too long. From what I've read and heard about the making of the movie, the original cut was a tad over four hours long! I agree with Sheen that there was a bunch of dialogue that could have been cut out. And not only did Ted Turner have a cameo role in "Gettysburg," he also had a cameo role in the sequel, "Gods and Generals." He plays a Confederate officer sitting next to General Lee in the scene where the traveling entertainers are singing "Bonnie Blue Flag."

[@BradCarr_]

thanks for sharing

[@craigkdillon]

Martin Sheen did NOT act too short. The others acted too tall..

[@BradCarr_]

Craig Dillon, interesting take on it

[@megpryor29]

LOL Damn Straight!

[@blmetal65]

Watched this movie on the telly way back in the 90s and was compelled to buy the DVDs on the prequel (Gods and Generals) to Gettysburg because very interested in the American history of those times.

[@BradCarr_]

nashi nash, thanks for sharing! Which did you like better?

[@blmetal65]

@@BradCarr_ Well the original Gettysburg film. Kept 'reviewing' it esp. those scenes like Chamberlain speech to his men before the Little Round Top battle and of course the Pickett's charge on the 3rd day of the conflict. As an amateur observer of history, its interesting to note how much impact the civil war has on America' current affairs for e.g the treatment of African Americans and the elections in general.

[@BradCarr_]

@@blmetal65 great points. I love the Chamberlain scene, he and I are from the same hometown - Brewer, ME

[@peterkgeandreaugeandreau965]

For goodness sake and your own, people, go to the battlefield itself and believe me you will absolutely weep at the thought of the reality. The movie was great as well as accurate but get books, read them and then go and witness history.

[@BradCarr_]

thanks for the thoughtful suggestion

[@nathanwoodley4299]

I was there just a couple of weeks ago. The scale of the place took me by surprise. I guess it would have to be a huge area to have held those hundreds of thousands of soldiers. One think about the movie that was off, Little Round Top in the movie is a wooded hill. In reality the part the Alabama brigade charged up was treeless and covered in boulders. Like an extension of Devils Den. I think they may have used Big Round Top in the movie.

[@BradCarr_]

sounds like a great trip! was that your favorite scene from the movie?

[@nathanwoodley4299]

Brendan Carr Definitely the prelude to Pickett’s Charge where the artillery barrage and the Confederate Army goes crazy. I’m a southern guy, but I’m glad we lost that war lol. It’s an odd, torn feeling 😂

[@BradCarr_]

@@nathanwoodley4299 that's a great scene! Yea, anything resembling internal conflict is funny

[@sdporres]

What a pleasant 5 minutes. Really enjoyed watching Sheen reminisce.

[@BradCarr_]

yea, hes a very special man. thx for sharing!

[@McRocket]

What a great story.

[@BradCarr_]

mcRocket, what did you like best?

[@McRocket]

@@BradCarr_ The part about Jimmy Carter . The Ted Turner part was interesting as well. Boy, at least in front of the camera, Martin Sheen seems INCREDIBLY polite.

[@BradCarr_]

@@McRocket Yes, he's an amazingly polite guy. saw him yesterday in malibu, no cameras, same kind nature

[@railsplitters79]

Gettysburg is one of my favorite movies.

[@BradCarr_]

Nice! what makes it a favorite?

[@railsplitters79]

@@BradCarr_ I think the greatness of the film can be broken down into three main elements. 1) the drama of the real historic battle. I mean that the battle it self is a compelling, powerful story. The closeness of the combatants. Close friends and former brothers in arms fighting in a desperate battle that would shape the course of the war. Fascinating people like Lee, Longstreet and chamberlain. The courage displayed by both sides. 2) great performance by a phenomenal cast. 3) I think the thing that makes this film really stand out is the focus. The movie does not waste one minute trying to appeal to a disinterested audience. If you have no interest in the civil war or the human and tactical drama of warfare in general than there is nothing in the film for you. As a consequence it is a masterpiece for one that is fascinated by those elements.

[@michaelpage4199]

Great review and I love the movie.

[@BradCarr_]

thanks! did you watch the full-length interview with Martin? there's a link in the description

[@752brickie]

Martin Sheen is one of the very few I have heard pronounce the name of the town correctly!

[@BradCarr_]

Thom Miller, yes, he's the best!

[@752brickie]

@@BradCarr_ I thought the same.

[@georgeabraham5672]

Martin Sheen acted in the movie Gandhi. He was very young and amazing in it

[@BradCarr_]

wow, I haven't seen that one

[@pheenix42]

The 'Good Order' scene when he declares, "It is my fault." Or, meeting with Pickett in the aftermath.

[@direktorpresident]

I loved Martin's comment to Tom Berenger, "We move on the word of an ACTOR?!" Haha how did they keep their faces straight

[@susanshaver4848]

Wow!!! I love the story about President Carter ❤

[@BradCarr_]

yes, great storytelling from a master