It comes from a period in American history that I am particularly interested in and surrounds seven men - Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden. Rennie Davis, John Froines and Lee Weiner—who were charged with conspiracy, crossing state lines with intent to incite a riot and other charges relating to anti Vietnam and countercultural protests in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
The film is at times very funny, at others very poignant but always interesting and there are some excellent performances.
The problem I have is deciding whether the men on trial were genuinely anti-war or just off their head hippies looking for a cause and was what they did heroic or just downright criminal? Also who was more to blame for what took place - the protestors or the police?
My interest in this whole subject comes from a fascination about the beat poets, the hippy era and the futility of a war (Vietnam) that took so many young lives and for what purpose?
I have also studied the whole thing from a music protest angle. The following lyrics were written by Graham Nash who just happens to be British but who found fame singing alongside David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Neil Young (who are American and Canadian). Incidentally Nash started his career as a member of The Hollies and is still gigging around the world.
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Won't you please come to Chicago just to sing?
In a land that's known as freedom
How can such a thing be fair?
Won't you please come to Chicago for the help that we can bring?
One of my favourite singer songwriters is an American by the name of Phil Ochs. Ochs was at the demonstration and is given a passing mention in the film. His 1969 album "Rehearsals for Retirement" has an image of his own tombstone on the cover with the words "Born El Paso, Texas, 1940 - Died Chicago Illinois 1968" - an obvious reference to the demonstrations. That album includes one of his best protest songs "I Ain't Marching Anymore."
Apparently he offered to sing it at the trial but was not allowed to by the Judge Julius Hoffman who shares a surname with Abbie Hoffman but who points out at great length that they are not related. This is one of the comedy highlights of the film.
Abbie Hoffman is an interesting character (brilliantly played in the film by Sacha Baron Cohen). He was also a leader of the Flower Power movement in America. So was he a hero or villain?
Hero - an anti Vietnam war campaigner who pointed out the futility of a war nobody could win. A supporter of a flower power movement that preached peace and love or
Villain - A man determined to incite riot. A troublemaker who was expelled from his high school. A man on an ego trip who had no interest in the cause he was supporting or fighting against.
Hoffman committed suicide in 1989 at the age of 52. He was bi-polar.
Do catch the film if you can and do seek out Phil Ochs.
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Many congratulation to Gareth Stevens who has been appointed Chief Executive of the Inspiration Trust group of 14 Norfolk and Suffolk schools. Gareth was previously Principal at Hethersett Academy.
I have had numerous dealings with Gareth in a number of guises. He has always been generous with his time and helpful. I was very touched when he took over as principal to be asked to go and meet him and talk about the village. I wish him all the best in his new position.