The Movement and the “Madman” (online film premiere)

The MOVEMENT and the “MADMAN” will premiere on Tuesday, March 28 at 9pm / 8pm (CT) on all PBS stations and will also stream on PBS.org during and after the premiere.

The film tells the little-known story of how, in the fall of 1969, two of the largest demonstrations in U.S. history at the time caused President Nixon to abandon his secret, self-described “madman” plans for a massive escalation of the Vietnam War, including the possible use of nuclear weapons. At the time, protestors had no idea of their impact or the countless lives saved.

The MOVEMENT and the “MADMAN” broadcast premiere provides a unique opportunity to set the record straight about one of the largest and most effective – though often ignored, disparaged or caricatured – social movements in American history.

At its core, the film highlights the power of protest, offering hope and inspiration in a time of growing threats to our democracy, rising concerns about nuclear war, increasing economic inequalities and racial injustice, and an intensifying climate crisis.

MAPA hosted a preview screening of the film and interview with the producers in November 2022.   See Part 1 and  Part 2 of that program.

Visit the film’s website for more on the film.

Visit the American Experience website for a preview trailer and film summary.