Williamsburg: the Story of a Patriot (1957)

[@conniecrawford5231]

As a Williamsburg Tour Director, I have seen this film so many times and am so pleased it has been preserved. RIP Jack Lord!

[@StarBuck411]

Went to Williamsburg a bunch of times as a kid, once maybe 15 years ago, planning a trip back this Dec. Just because I'm curious, when did the visitor center cafeteria go away? Such great memories as a kid, getting in there later in the day after a long drive from Connecticut, and getting to go to the cafeteria, it was great!! Looking forward to getting back there!

[@Davidrcobb]

Do you know anything about the Cobb's in Williamsburg?

[@susanroberts3813]

Do you remember the other movie they used to show at the visitors center ?

[@Leshutchens4]

From a 67 year old Williamsburg born boy I love that you all have such fond memories of this wonderful film!

[@Modeltnick]

I saw this film in 1961 as a ten year old kid! I was amazed that it is still being shown today in the same beautiful theater in Williamsburg in 2009! It was the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown founding.

[@eddieboyee1]

I first saw the film on my honeymoon. October 1978. Everytime I go to Williamsburg I must go to the Visitor center to watch. 👍🇺🇸

[@Rhewin]

When I visited Williamsburg in the mid 2000s the hotel had a dedicated channel for this. For some reason dad obsessed over it and just kept watching it.

[@trevor5502]

Am a dad, can confirm this is dad shit to do.

[@johng8784]

Me too. Which hotel?

[@Rhewin]

@@johng8784 I have no idea, unfortunately. It wasn't within walking distance of the historic area.

[@marcybrooks3425]

I just returned from a trip to Williamsburg and loved watching the film!

[@jeang3130]

I love it and Jack Lord is so articulate and elegant, perfect role for him, I am obsessed with all his films and tv.

[@cathyrandazzo6222]

I am as well, Jean. I love him!!

[@soteriamediaproductions6165]

I can’t believe I ran across this film, seeing it as a kid in the late 60’s. I was raised in Newport News and hated all 12 yrs of public school. Except when we would go on field trips to Colonial Williamsburg where I was absolutely enamored with that place and time period. It is so touching to see and be reminded of the resolution of the American citizens to rise up in righteous rebellion to break away from tyranny. It’s now 2024 and there are similarities in the voices on both sides to address the tyranny that is befalling us now. The difference being, this time, the evil corruption is emanating from within our own shores, albeit from outside influences. This time the rebellion should be fought on our knees, drawing closer to our God, and standing strong with His armor against a spiritual enemy trying to end us as a beacon of freedom in this world. As for what we do in physical action? The modern tyranny is being thrust on us, not with troops and weapons, but with lies. As socially unacceptable as it is today, we need to stand and speak the truth publicly to counter act the lies that are reshaping our culture and stripping us of our freedoms.

[@johannarhymer1093]

Well said! Amen

[@CapCitySmoker-py2ry]

My awesome grandparents lived in Williamsburg almost their whole lives, spent many of summers roaming Williamsburg, Jamestown etc. This brings back so many memories. "Robert Fryyyyyy....grab a musket, get in rankkkkkk!" Haha loved that part

[@johnhughesii5121]

I saw this film on my first trip to Williamsburg at the visitor center in 1987. I have made many trips back to Williamsburg over the years and seeing this film upon arrival takes me back to "younger" days. It is a historical classic for sure. Thank you for posting this.

[@brucemacneil8793]

I grew up on The Story of a Patriot, starting when I was 9 years old. I can't count how many times I saw it between 1965 and 1979. (During that time I also worked for CW and went to school at W&M.) The thing is, all of those times and years, not once did I see the opening credits; I didn't know they even existed, coupled with Bernard Hermann's wonderful overture that includes the best orchestral version I've ever heard of Chester. When I started seeing the movie, there was a short narration about Colonial Williamsburg, how to buy tickets and ride the bus, etc., and you were told John Fry was a fictional character and also something along the lines "Let's begin your journey into history, then the film beginning with the scene of the boy running through the field to the plantation, which I believe was filmed in Tuckahoe outside of Richmond. Later on, I don't think they even included that introductory narration. So, when I saw the restored version, sometime in the last 10-15 years, I saw the opening credits/heard the overture for the first time and realized I had missing something in the film for 40 or more years. What I would like to know, is who in CW came up with the dumb idea to cut out the overture/opening credits, I guess sometime in the late 50s/early 60s or did they ever even show them in the first lace when the film came out in 1957?

[@ablewindsor1459]

They cut the credits to run more showings at the Information center for the summer crunch. While I was at w&m, 1974, in the slow winter season they ran it with the beginning credits in January, usually only a handful were in attendance, only showed once an hour or two instead of six times an hour on the two screens for high tourist scram time. In the 1980'$; Colonial Williamsburg sold a VCR tape with the full credits version: included was a 30 Minute tour of the Historic Area that included Carter's Grove. The 45 minute 'Making of the Patriot' film finished the trio. It showed a small intro of CW's beginning, and showed how they covered DOG street with gigatons of dirt for realism and the placing underground the last power lines to improve the camera angles, it even showed rare footage of the 33 foot wide tunnel being built under the Powder Magazine and the courthouse of 1770, that runs under the Historic Area to the Visitors Center.

[@brucemacneil8793]

@@ablewindsor1459 Able. Thank you, that's interesting to know. Of course, the winter of 1974 was one on the worst times for CW, with the gas shortage and Arab oil embargo, visitation was next to nothing. So I can understand why there were few showings then. Even though I lived nearby, I don't think we drove up to Williamsburg during that winter of 1974.

[@ablewindsor1459]

@@brucemacneil8793 Sir! In the sixties my mother took us to Williamsburg several times when I was a kid, even stayed in the un-air-conditioned Yates Portion of the Williamsburg Lodge. The credits were shown at least some airings during those times (1963, 1965, 1968). 68 was in August, no credits were shown just the verbal over view. Note: one of my friends, she worked her way through the College by being a costumed interpreter for CW, many of her stories about CW were interesting.

[@stuffnva]

I recall seeing this projected in the VistaVision format in the 1950s when I was a kid. The opening narration played over the surround speakers and the first scene was the boy running down the field. There were no credits but they were displayed in a display case in the lobby. Later 70mm projection also did not include credits. I am dismayed that CW has discontinued screenings due to perceived inaccurate and insensitive nature of how the enslaved were portrayed. This film should not be relegated to obscurity because of some misguided adherence to political correctness. I wonder how the late Calvin, the long time projectionist, would feel? On a positive note, the tombstone shown in the opening was being used as a doorstop in the projection booth. My brother was instrumental in getting it conserved.

[@robinblankenship9234]

I was lucky enough to get this on DVD.

[@matthewbulger5876]

When will this ,be On The National Film Registry? It's way overdue. Do you agree?

[@JNCPiano]

Thanks so much for posting this!! I remember it playing at the Colonial Williamsburg Welcome Center on loop!!

[@ericjackson9256]

Beautiful restoration

[@carolyndaly9368]

So glad this was restored. Saw the original years ago. The star later became Stony Burke in a great western TV series .

[@anton1207740]

I remember this being on a loop at the Williamsburg Inn when I visited in 2000. I remember drinking Quibell sparkling water and watching it multiple times. What a find!

[@jdewitt77]

I saw this film in 1977 when my parents and I visited Williamsburg and was so shocked to see Jack Lord in it. I immediately said to my mother, "Hey Mom, that's the guy from Hawaii Five O, Jack Lord. " Then and now am a big H50 fan.

[@Meganstephens-sk5ob]

love this movie

[@Meganstephens-sk5ob]

the best ever

[@JESJACKDAD]

My folks took us to Williamsburg in 1973 and I saw this movie for the first time then. It takes me back

[@paulmatulavich7321]

This very afternoon, while watching reruns of Hawaii 5-0, I was suddenly and inexplicably reminded of a film I saw at South High School in 1967. The name of the film escaped me, but I remembered it featured a young Jack Lord and the story involved the American Revolution. So I searched KZbin and shazam - here is the film I last saw in 10th grade government class, 55 years ago! What a great little gem, with an outstanding score, and excellent acting. Thanks so much for posting this. God where did all the years go?

[@dustbat]

One of my favorite things here is this video. Sets the stage and can be seen in visitors center. I liked it so m much I bought a copy. Jack Lord was never better than here. Sets the stage for your visit.For years I went there and did not know about this wonderful film. I would skip the other boring movie about Rockefeller. Not denying his contribution but movie drags on and on.🦇

[@janetbell1677]

Thank you for posting this film! My sister and I were practically weaned on this film and watched it each time we visited Colonial Williamsburg. No doubt nostalgic for me personally, but, nevertheless, this film did an excellent job communicating the issues surrounding the American Revolution.

[@frankbruno9499]

Thank you to all for the restoration and Mr. Seaton(Miracle on 34th. St.) forethought in shooting in Vistavision.A 35mm process that gives you a 70mm high definition original negative.I first saw this movie in 1957. I was 13. As soon as we got out of the WB theatre, I told my parents I wanted to make a full-length movie here. All the sets are built.

[@tomvee7892]

this brings back fond memories of visiting with my parents. thanks for keeping those memories alive! .

[@ericjackson9256]

Having watched this after 40 years. This could have been lengthened into a full length. film

[@SamhainBe]

Such a great film!

[@clarencehollowell7662]

I saw this film at the Williamsburg Visitor Center in 1971 as a 6th grader and again in the early 1990's.

[@erinsquire2749]

thank you for the story when all begins from the started

[@meganstephens-ne1wp]

this is a good movie

[@jslasher1]

I've always had a soft spot for Bernard Herrmann's superb, atmospheric score, so much so that I recorded the Overture in less than ideal conditions for a compilation CD titled "Americana at the Movies". Herrmann told me that he so enjoyed working on the film that he waived his usual fee. The soundtrack was recorded at Samuel Goldwyn Studios in the 3-track stereo by Todd-AO. Not a bad film. Poor Richard Striker died quiet young of a drug overdose.

[@shopsshire9282]

I saw this film at Colonial Williamsburg in 1984 when my family went on vacation there for Christmas break.

[@paulppchristman5827]

Our father had a 16mm print of this film which he ran for us on a Bell & Howell projector one Sunday afternoon at home in our "rec room". I remember recognizing Jack Lord from Hawaii 5-0 on tv. I recall finding the scene involving an effigy hanging to be quite alarming.

[@Rlotpir1972]

I assume it was in 1.33:1 TV format with panning and scanning.

[@kcheznyc]

Went to Colonial Williamsburg as an adult and saw this movie in the visitor's center before you board a bus ride to the town. That Hawaii 5-O guy Jack Lord starred in this film.

[@elliemaejune]

I love this film.

[@JEAN-pm9lg]

Treasured memories .

[@bruceschrader2060]

First saw it in the late '60s at the Visitors Center

[@michaelaalbon4898]

I first saw this movie when I went to Williamsburg on an 8th grade field trip. It was the fall of 1971. I’ve been fortunate to have traveled (domestically and internationally) widely in my lifetime. But there is something about Williamsburg that draws me back over and over.

[@UncleSam-bu9gz]

MY FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH!

[@johnmoon3848]

Wonderful!!

[@LouisEmery]

This movie was available at a hotel in Williamsburg I went to in Jan 2004. It was VHS and unwatchable. But Patrick Henry was memorable.

[@terrierkeeper]

Saw this with my parents and brothers when my family visited Williamsburg almost fifty years ago. Quite interesting.

[@chrisbourne6921]

I remember this film back in 1972 when my parents took me to Williamsburg back in 1972. I remember no credits at the beginning too. When I was in the 4th grade, my teacher showed it to us with the credits but I didn't recognize the film until the the zooming through the forest at the beginning and saying wow this is the film I remember from our trip. I wish a physical copy would be available on blu ray,

[@killarneystar]

So obvious why CW closed the Visitor's Center and stopped showing this last year. Of course CW has been going downhill financially for years because no one cares about history. But for today's Patriots and those finally waking up to how we were sold back to the British Crown in 1871 and are rightfully fighting for our independence again now, this film is INCENDIARY. I might sound crazy but the spirit of Patrick Henry has been with me for some months now encouraging me to use my voice and to help get that damn British flag off the Capitol building once and for all. Why do they still fly it there?? Why not fly the original 13 colonies one as they did in this film after the "unanimous" vote for independence? Ask yourself who restored Williamsburg... Rockefeller, a key part of the Kab0l. Controlling the narrative, including our history, since the 1930s. Having grown up in Williamsburg, worked for CWF, and seen this dear movie so many times I could still quote it 25 years later, it finally occurred to me to look it up and watch it again. I will be sharing this far and wide. It's past time we took our country back once and for all.

[@naturalPaths]

So perfectly expressed. This wonderful movie has informed my life, and my love of country since some time in the 1950s. I don't remember not knowing it. I too have wondered about the Rockefeller connection over the years; control the narrative indeed. I did not know the Information Center was closed. Frankly, closing the new one was no loss. I visited it one time and left almost immediately. I couldn't go home again.

[@pinkparasollise9646]

There is a woman called "Super Enthused" who posts here on KZbin. She posted her visit to the CW Visitor Center this past March, 2022.

[@meganstephens-ne1wp]

ellen and jim coyle you have to see this movie back i the 1776 !

[@meganstephens-ne1wp]

Now that jim is retire

[@joannflanagan396]

Great!

[@Modeltnick]

First saw this in 1961 at age 10!

[@susanroberts3813]

What was the other movie shown at the visitors center in Williamsburg Va ?

[@fldave612]

16:18 snatches the case of tea and chucks it through the window! That's classic lmao :D :D 16:28, that's a sad waste of wine, I would have at least poured some of it into a jug and snuck it out before smashing the barrel. 16:48 cider makes you that happily drunk, I got to try it lol. :D

[@ericjackson9256]

New Jersey apple jack.

[@erinsquire2749]

so is all begins

[@lyramaria1067]

Jack Lord!

[@raymondsommerfeldt2817]

Tried to watch it. No sound.

[@GumriRN]

The BEST of Colonial Williamsburg. CWF STOPPED showing this at the Info Center when they began to #HateAmericanValues & got #WOKE

[@annepinzow1109]

What a shame. In the rush to erase, they are destroying a past we need to remember or are doomed to repeat. If we don't know how we got here, how can we avoid that same past, maybe different players but motivations such as hate, greed and fear rarely differ.

[@GumriRN]

@@annepinzow1109 -You hit the nail on the head. I used to believe the History presented at Colonial Williamsburg. But we’ve seen such a change in HOW they present history. It’s a completely “New & Not Factual History. It really does mean we’ll have to repeat mistakes of the past. Such a good Comment.

[@BonnieDragonKat]

Okay this is going to be interesting. Because I've been working on my family history and I have members of the Fry family in my tree so I'm wondering if it's the same family I'll have to work it out and find out.

[@Rlotpir1972]

Was this originally planned to be aired on the big screen in 1957? I assume this is 3-reeler.

[@boneeatingsilicate580]

The 3 Worlds of Gulliver like

[@george2113]

Planters wouldn't stay in an ordinary sleeping three to a bed. They would stay with another rich friend in comfort.

[@scottdunn5677]

Started attending Williamsburg in 1971. Once I had a child we continued the education. Love this movie. I am now in Texas and have heard Williamsburg has lost its objectivity - is Williamsburg going woke?

[@stevekraus8621]

Dr. Zworkin (aka the father of electronic television - if you believe RCA) doesn’t know how to spell his own first name!