The Execution of Private Slovik (TV Movie 1974)

The Execution of Private Slovik (TV Movie 1974). 2h

“I saw this made for TV film when it originally came out. Martin Sheens star was rising and the network that broadcast it hyped it pretty well but didnu0026#39;t over do it. It has a number of documentary type scenes in it which keeps the whole story of Slovik on track . The story was going to be made into a film a number of years earlier with Steve McQueen in the title role but some political pressure blocked it. The fact is Eddie Slovik wasnu0026#39;t the only American soldier executed in WWII. He was the only one executed for desertion. All these years later his execution clearly was something that shouldnu0026#39;t have taken place. The officers who made the decision to shoot him were more than likely worrying not about his life but about their life and military career. Even though the viewer knows that Pvt Slovik will be executed the scene in which he is led out, tied up, hooded, last rites given then shot is very moving. Ned Beatty turns in a good performance as an Army Chaplain. Another film that has an Army execution scene in it that will grip the viewer is `The Victorsu0026#39; Check that one out as well.”