It's a story familiar to most of us from school. And in many ways, the story of the passengers on the Mayflower is like that of every immigrant who has come to America to start a new life. Yet the true story of the pilgrims is far more complex that the one most of us learned as children - and also more intriguing. This is a decades-long epic tale, filled with real drama, tragedy, and inspiration, revealed in this three hour special.
Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower digs deeper into the facts than any previous documentary to paint a devastating picture of the difficult lives of these early immigrants. Based on meticulous historical research and original source material including William Bradford's first-hand account, Of Plymouth Plantation, the program recreates the fascinating world of the pilgrims in all its complexity.
Using historically accurate dramatizations, the special was shot on location at historic Plimoth Plantation, as well as in England, Belgium, Maryland and Virginia. Interviews with leading historians, scholars and modern-day members of the Wampanoag community reveal the intricacy of the real story an epic journey touched by religious fervor and intolerance, personal triumph and tragedy. Gifted actors from England's Royal Shakespeare Company provide an authentic picture of these 17th-centry pioneers, presenting their stories with all the excitement and suspense of a feature film.
Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower explores time-honored myths about this determined band of pilgrims, including their relationship with the Native Americans. Tempered by years of violent discrimination, the pilgrims came to New England armed and ready for a hostile reception. Beyond the traditional stories of Squanto and Massasoit sharing in the bounty of the first Thanksgiving lies a far more ambivalent relationship. Members of the Wampanoag community, the tribe that coexisted with the pilgrims, shine a provocative new light on the uneasy pact between the two groups.
I thoroughly enjoyed this brilliant documentary. The History Channel® made every attempt to stay true to Bradford's account. The actors played their parts wonderfully. Regretfully, to fit it into three hours, many events had to be left out. There was no mention of Howland's rescue and many Pilgrims were never mentioned. James Chilton was referred to as "one passenger" who had died while in Provincetown Harbor and John Alden was introduced only very briefly.
Make sure to make yourself a reminder to watch this wonderful program when it airs Sunday, November 19 at 8 p.m. / 7 p.m. Central time. If you can't watch, be sure to record it or have someone record it for you. It's something you won't want to miss!
