Certain world events will be imprinted upon the minds of literate human kind for all time. In the field of military history, such moments as the last attack of the Middle Guard at Waterloo or the wounding of Harold at Hastings will never be forgotten. In the Civil War, the epic struggle of Gettysburg with its apothesis of Pickett's charge, ranks second to none. This was an immortal event which will live as a memorial to its participants, as long as a single friend of history can read and remember. And so it should be.

However, I must confess to amazement when I read and was told that Gettysburg, a movie of this great event, was to be released in October of 1993. In a world of movies depicting steroid-ridden action heroes, it still did not seem possible. Surely, except for gems such as Glory, one had to go back decades to watch videos that were surprisingly literate and fairly historically accurate epics. Hadn't we all been told that it was too expensive to make historical movies? Maybe someone had once again dared to teach and entertain us. As a member of an elite group of people who read history for entertainment and honor it in the form of historical figures of our ancestors, I confess to being extremely pleased.

I knew that the momentous event must be savored and prepared for, if it was to be fully appreciated. I bought the book Gettysburg by Bruce Catton. I had not read anything by this momentous author in years. He is justifiably regarded as a genius and there is nothing I can add to his lucid account of the battle written so impartially, yet with great emotion and brilliant simplicity, that reflects to his everlasting credit. Then I watched the excellent Battle of Gettysburg in Miniature film, which I feel must be a staple in all wargamers' film libraries. I was also treated to the one hour television show called The Making of the Battle of Gettysburg and was stunned by its excellence.

The great day arrived! I can only speak of initial impressions: a magnificent speech by Colonel Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels) as to why the Union was there; a regiment marching to the battle; Heth's men deploying into line of battle; Buford (Sam Elliot) showing great determination; an Irishman saying why he fought for justice; a massive struggle for Little Round Top; preparations for Pickett's Charge; a stunning depiction of Lee surrounded by his adoring troops (a scene which filled the theatre with excitement and awe); and the largest collection of reenactors in history, forming battalions for the legendary charge which had to be the finest war scene in the history of cinema, surpassing those of Spartacus and Waterloo.

The second time I viewed the movie, I concentrated on the acting. Tom Berenger was Longstreet. His performance was understated yet silent. Pickett was dashing. Lee was having a bad battle and this was shown, but he was still a great man and worthy of his army. Richard Jordan, in his last role before his actual death, was magnificent as "Lothario" Armistead and he crowned his career with his performance in Gettysburg. He will never be forgotten. Jeff Daniels should get the Academy Award. The Irishman's character was both funny and profound. Garnet, Trimble, and Pettigrew and all the generals were outstanding. Put this great acting with the splendid devoted reenactors and the Pulitzer Prize-winning words of Michael Shaara, and you have the finest war movie ever made.

It's a great tribute to Ted Turner and all of the movie's participants that they have given us this masterpiece. They honor our predecessors and set an example for our society. War is wrong and tragic, and lacks glamour in reality. However, war movies of this caliber are capable of showing mankind at its worst and its best, and this is good. I recommend this movie to all.