The Execution of Private Slovik (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.

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Plot Keywords:

desertion | five word title | 1940s | miscarriage | firing squad | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

James Dean considered making this in the mid-'50s.

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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.

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Connections

References The Victors (1963)

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Soundtracks

Drum Boogie
Written by Gene Krupa and Roy Eldridge
Performed by The Andrews Sisters

User Reviews

This movie still haunts me

Even now, 25+ years later I remember this movie. It made an impact on me.

I've only seen it twice, but it still hurts me to remember it. As the execution is played out, you hear Bing Crosby sing "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Every time I hear that song, the memory of that movie floods me with terrible, sad feelings.

10/10

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 Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1