Class of '61


Class of '61 is a 1993 American war drama television film produced by Steven Spielberg as a projected television series about the American Civil War. It focused on men who were classmates at West Point and separated by the war between the North and the South. Filmed in Charleston, South Carolina and Atlanta, this work was the first collaboration between Spielberg and cinematographer Janusz Kamiński.

Plot

The film follows the lives of several West Point classmates who fight on opposite sides of the American Civil War, which disrupts their previously close community.
The film also follows the adventures of Lucius, a slave who escapes via the underground railroad to freedom. The film cuts between the First Battle of Bull Run and the birth of Lucius' child into slavery.

Cast

Renowned Civil War historian Shelby Foote acted as consultant, and documentary producer Ken Burns was acknowledged for his contributions. He had created the critically acclaimed The Civil War documentary series in 1990.