The Execution of Private Slovik
- TV Movie
- 1974
- 2h
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
The story of Eddie Slovik, who was executed by the Army in 1945, the only American soldier to be executed for desertion since the Civil War.The story of Eddie Slovik, who was executed by the Army in 1945, the only American soldier to be executed for desertion since the Civil War.The story of Eddie Slovik, who was executed by the Army in 1945, the only American soldier to be executed for desertion since the Civil War.
- Won 2 Primetime Emmys
- 3 wins & 7 nominations total
Warren J. Kemmerling
- Maj. Fellman
- (as Warren Kemmerling)
Joe George
- 109th Regiment Sergeant
- (as Joseph George)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBernard V. Calka, of Macomb County, MI--a Polish-American World War II veteran--petitioned the US Army to return Slovik's remains to the US. In 1987 he convinced President Ronald Reagan to order their return. Calka raised $8,000 to pay for the exhumation of Slovik's remains and for their transfer to Detroit's Woodmere Cemetery, where Slovik was reburied next to his wife.
- Quotes
Father Stafford: Give it another volley if you like it so much!
Maj. Fellman: Take it easy, Padre! None of us are enjoying this.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 26th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1974)
Featured review
Powerful, balanced and moving
In January 1945 Private Eddie D Slovik became the only man shot for desertion by the United States Army since the American Civil War. This film shows Slovik's adult life, the twists, turns and decisions that lead to the event and how it unfolded.
An incredibly powerful drama. Shows well what lead to the execution of Private Slovik - his personal life, his decisions, the court martial process - and the execution itself. Most remarkable is how balanced it is: after seeing his view you have some sympathy for Slovik but you get to see and understand the US Army's side too. You are reminded of this conflict between empathy for Slovik's situation and the fact that scores of other soldiers are in a similar position as him but are willing to do their duty.
Quite sensitively told: no big empty speeches about duty and honour, no gung ho rants and the main characters on the US Army's side have no personal agenda - they're just following the process and doing their job.
Rounding it off, the execution scene is very realistic and emotional. Even if you are firmly of the view that justice is being served you can't help but be moved by the final few scenes.
Great work by Martin Sheen in the lead role. Solid supporting cast that includes Ned Beatty and Gary Busey. 8/9-year-old Charlie Sheen also gets some uncredited screen time.
An incredibly powerful drama. Shows well what lead to the execution of Private Slovik - his personal life, his decisions, the court martial process - and the execution itself. Most remarkable is how balanced it is: after seeing his view you have some sympathy for Slovik but you get to see and understand the US Army's side too. You are reminded of this conflict between empathy for Slovik's situation and the fact that scores of other soldiers are in a similar position as him but are willing to do their duty.
Quite sensitively told: no big empty speeches about duty and honour, no gung ho rants and the main characters on the US Army's side have no personal agenda - they're just following the process and doing their job.
Rounding it off, the execution scene is very realistic and emotional. Even if you are firmly of the view that justice is being served you can't help but be moved by the final few scenes.
Great work by Martin Sheen in the lead role. Solid supporting cast that includes Ned Beatty and Gary Busey. 8/9-year-old Charlie Sheen also gets some uncredited screen time.
helpful•93
- grantss
- Jun 14, 2021
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Arkebuseringen
- Filming locations
- RMS Queen Mary - 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, California, USA(court-martial scenes)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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By what name was The Execution of Private Slovik (1974) officially released in India in English?
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