One Bright Shining Moment:
The Forgotten Summer of George McGovern
Release Date:
September 16, 2005
Limited release
This documentary examines the grassroots presidential campaign of George McGovern. During that campaign, McGovern fought for both peace and justice and also was heavily focused on the very real ideas and opinions of people. In the end, of course, he was completely obliterated by Richard Nixon.
The movie wonders whether this major defeat might also be the high watermark with regards to American politics. A variety of historians and people who were involved in the campaign are featured in the film, including McGovern himself, Gore Vidal, Gloria Steinem, Warren Beatty, Dick Gregory, Gary Hart, Frank Mankiewicz, Howard Zinn, Jim Bouton, Jim Abourezk, Malcolm Boyd and Ron Kovic. Songs from artists such as Leon Russell, Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Donovan and Elvis Costello are incorporated into the documentary storytelling process. (Kim Hollis/BOP)