The Execution of Private Slovik (TV 1974)

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.

Director:

Lamont Johnson

Writers:

Richard Levinson (written for television by), William Link (written for television by),

Stars:

Martin Sheen, Mariclare Costello, Ned Beatty

Won 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Martin Sheen	...	Eddie Slovik
Mariclare Costello	...	Antoinette Slovik
Ned Beatty	...	Father Stafford
Gary Busey	...	Jimmy Feedek
Matt Clark	...	Dunn
Ben Hammer	...	Lt. Col. Leacock
Warren J. Kemmerling	...	Maj. Fellman (as Warren Kemmerling)
Charles Haid	...	Brockmeyer
Kathryn Grody	...	Margaret
Paul Lambert	...	Joe Sirelli
Jon Cedar	...	Holloway
Joe George	...	109th Regiment Sergeant (as Joseph George)
Laurence Haddon	...	Piper
James Burr Johnson	...	NCO
Tom Ligon	...	Childs

Storyline

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.

---

Plot Keywords:

desertion | firing squad | world war two | execution | 1940s | 

---

Taglines:

Was it an Act of Cowardice... or an Act of Conscience?

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

13 March 1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Execução do Soldado Slovik

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal TV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

TV debut of Charlie Sheen.

---

Quotes

Father Stafford: Give it another volley if you like it so much!
Lt. Col. Leacock: Take it easy, Padre! None of us are enjoying this.

---

Soundtracks

"Paper Doll"
Performed by The Mills Brothers

User Reviews

very fine film

I am 45 years old and I watched this 'Movie Of The Week' on TV when it was new. As I grew older I saw it again and would notice certain things that I didn't see when I was younger. The TV Movies, now called TV Mini-series were so much better in the early to mid 1970s, I think.

Now, I would find it very hard to watch because many people believe Pvt. Slovik should not have been executed considering the overall circumstances and also because of so many other experiences over my years. This film helped shaped my heartfelt opposition to the death penalty. I'm happy to say that I have always respected the work of Martin Sheen and his sons over the years.

John Martin, Fort Worth, Texas