History and Movies: A Winning Combination

By Clayton and Jonathan Trutor

When looking back on November 2004, historians will note a number of earthshaking events: the conviction of Scott Peterson, Kurt Russell’s breakup with Goldie Hawn, the resurgence of William Shatner as a force in popular music. Feelings of disbelief and anger struck our little corner of the world. I heard children cry. I saw men dance. I watched Jane Pauley make gravy on her Thanksgiving Special. In the midst of such turmoil, the only thing that comforted our community came one Tuesday, and left two Thursdays later. The UVM History Forum’s series of four movie nights quieted the crippling pain of the world, if only for a fleeting moment.

The History Department’s four new faculty members, Doctors Abigail McGowan, Amani Whitfield, Jacqueline Carr, and Paul Deslandes, introduced themselves to the University community by way of a film related to their respective areas of historical inquiry. Every film presentation began with an articulate introduction by international playboy and History Forum President, Jonathan Trutor. The professor presenting the film would then rise from their seat and approach the podium. Each presenter described their film briefly and noted some of the historical themes that it showcased.

Our first movie night foreshadowed the success of the entire series. Professor Abigail McGowan, a scholar in South Asian history, presented Earth, Deepa Mehta’s 1998 masterpiece concerning religious divisions in Lahore at the time of India and Pakistan’s division. The largest audience of the entire series gathered that night in 413 Waterman. The event received rave reviews from the enthusiastic audience.

Professor Amani Whitfield followed up on the success of opening night with his presentation of Spike Lee’s School Daze. This 1987 musical uses homecoming weekend at a historically black college as a thread for examining a wide range of social issues within the African American community. After the film, Professor Whitfield guided a lively discussion on a number of issues raised in the film. A scholar in African-American history, Professor Whitfield tied much of the film’s imagery to twentieth century black social movements.

The third film in the series, Mary Silliman’s War, a 1994 public television production, portrayed the actual experiences of a Connecticut family during the American Revolution. Professor Jacqueline Carr, a scholar in Colonial American history, provided a super presentation of the film. She placed the characters’ experiences within the context of the broader social conflicts of the era. Professor Carr’s discussion added several layers of complexity to the film’s narrative.

Batting cleanup, Professor Paul Deslandes, a scholar in British history, rounded out the History Forum film series for the fall semester. Professor Deslandes presented John Boorman’s Hope and Glory, a 1987 dramatic comedy focusing on the experiences of a young London boy and his working class family during the Blitz. This crowd-pleasing picture received the most laughs of any film in the series. After everyone said goodnight, the audience’s laugh warmed bellies cut smoothly through the brisk November air.

What fun we had those November evenings! While everyone is saddened by the end of the fall 2004 History Forum Movie Night series, you can cheer up with a mug of hot cocoa and the news that we will back for the spring semester.