April Morning (:33) 1988

Based on a novel by Harold Fast, the "shot heard around the world" and the first day of fighting between the "lobsterbacks" and the rebels is the focus of this Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. The beginning of the war is seen through the eyes of Adam Cooper, the 15 year old farmer's son. On April 19, 1775, the militia receives word that the British are coming when Paul Revere rides through the town of Lexington. The 79 member militia stand up to the British but with the intention of not engaging the enemy in battle. A shot is fired by a rebel causing the British to charge at the crowd. Adam sees his father shot through the chest and sees other neighbors bayoneted. This begins a day of guerrilla warfare with the outnumbered militia shooting at the marching British troops. The Revolutionary War is taught in fifth and grade history. This is a very good film for students to watch to understand both the start of the war but also the horrors of men dying on the battlefield. There is bloodshed but it is shown in a way that is not gory. Also shown is how fighting and killing the enemy is hard on the combatants especially for the young men. I recommend this movie for history fans and for students studying that period in time.