| Capitol Journal--Four Little Pages | ||
|---|---|---|
| This clip is not available for streaming at this time. Please contact WPA. | Tape Master: | 10238 |
| Catalog #: | 490635 | |
| Clip Number: | 490635-1 | |
| Orginal Film: | CJ 091 | |
| Timecode: | ||
| Location: | N/A | |
| Year Shot: | 1986 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | Yes | |
| Headings: | GOVERNMENT: United States | |
| Description: | WETA "CAPITOL JOURNAL" IN 06.30.24-Shot of bench of Hearing room where a symposium on Congress for the approaching bicentennial of the Constitution is being held. Symposium chairman, Republican Representative Jerry Lewis wrapping up the panel discussions. Introduces Rep. LINDY BOGGS (D-LA) to lead final discussion. Rep. BOGGS describes the agenda of the committee to commemorate the Constitution, credits the sponsors and members of the committee. Introduces a musical play to illustrate the history of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. 06.37.15-An actor playing BEN FRANKLIN steps onto floor, gives a monologue about the crisis of unity leading to the Constitutional convention, his grudge against Pennsylvania for not naming him to the first delegation, a chorus begs him to take part [this is really silly]. A group of four men in 18th century costume with guitars come on and play a song about interstate rivalry and the need for a central government. Features the line "England Spain and France/Have got us by the pants". Hee hee hee. 06.43.00-"Ben Franklin" gives a monologue on the flaws of the Articles of Confederation. Actors act out scenes of chaotic interstate commerce. This troupe basically looks like a group that would play at a junior high school assembly. An actor playing ALEXANDER HAMILTON calls for a Constitutional Convention, comically reading from "crib notes" inside his tricorner hat. The chorus returns, one actor plays James Madison and gives a monologue on forming the Virginia Plan. The "Virginia Delegation" wants to start rocking out, but Ben cuts them off. "Ben" talks about the Delegates, what groups were and weren't represented, John Adams, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson didn't show up, but George Washington was the chairman. 06.49.00-"James Madison" sings the "Virginia Plan" for proportional representation, another actor sings for equal representation among states [going even further into junior high school assembly territory]. Another sings for a "President for life", more schoolhouse rock shenanigans as "the convention" degenerates into factionalism and chaos. "Ben Franklin" discusses the "Great Compromise" of two legislative houses. The chorus enacts other controversies over the judiciary, slavery, voting rights, term of the President, etc. and try to call the whole thing off. "Ben" talks about the "Great Compromise" and the arduous debate over a strong Federal Government. 06.55.13-The chorus describes the final document. "George Washington" urges the people to accept the Constitution. "Alexander Hamilton" says that he disagrees with the document but he's going to vote for it to prevent anarchy. "Ben Franklin" expresses optimism, and we're off to the ratification process. Another song about the sales-pitch of the Constitution. "Franklin" in 1986-mode remarks how it's lasted 200 years. The chorus sings the Preamble of the Constitution in a way that at first sounds disturbingly similar to "Free Bird". Makes you want to hold up your lighter. And that's it, show's over. 07.02.16--OUT | |
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