Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad (1994)

A number of slaves risk their lives to escape their masters with their only help coming from the famous secret slave escape network.

Director:

Don McBrearty

Writers:

Diana Braithwaite, Peter Mohan

Stars:

Falconer Abraham, Dwight Bacquie, Janet Bailey

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Falconer Abraham	...	Walter
Dwight Bacquie	...	Jeb
Janet Bailey	...	Sarah
Nigel Bennett	...	Levi Coffin
Tyrone Benskin	...	Ward
James Blendick
Peter Boretski	...	Judge Andrews
Tom Butler
Len Doncheff	...	Auctioneer
James B. Douglas	...	Businessman
Adrian Gittens	...	Matthew Brown
Ron Hartmann	...	Senator
Susan Hogan
James Kidnie	...	Cargo handler
Géza Kovács	...	Bounty hunter

Storyline

In pre Civil War America, slaves are prepared to risk everything for the chance of freedom from bondage. This films relates the story of a group of slaves who decide to try for it. Fortunately, in addition to the dangers from slave catchers and the elements, our heros also have the Underground Railroad, the clandestine network of caring people, like Harriet Tubman, who face great risks of their own.

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Plot Keywords:

escape | underground railroad | escape from slavery | abolitionist | paranoia | 

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Calatorie spre libertate: Calea ferata subterana

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Better that expected

True, there is a number of clichés in this movie and yet the overall result is moving. Canadians are not particularly well aware of this relatively short part (about 11 years) of their history and this movie does not stray too far from the harsh reality it describes. Perhaps it is the saving grace of clichés: like stereotypes, they tend to have a good foundation in reality. I don't know for sure for the Canadian "Birdwatcher" but for the rest, it does jib well with what I know from reliable sources. So, if you want to present the "Underground Railroad" to someone not already familiar with it, it is a very good, enjoyable, introduction.

One caveat, the sound track does not seem correct with large volume variations adding to the difficulties in understanding strong accents. Also, the lack of closed-caption (or any subtitle) will not help you either. A better language support-sound track would have certainly improved its rating.