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GEORGE WASHINGTON {PART 1 OF 3} (TV)

Summary

The first of this three-part miniseries about the life of first President of the United States George Washington, focusing on his life before and during the Revolutionary War.

In 1743 in Mount Vernon, Virginia, a young Washington receives saber fencing instruction from his older half-brother Lawrence. He attends a reading of his recently-deceased father’s will, and he receives only a small amount of property as opposed to his half-brothers, who are afforded a great deal in the will. He and his mother Mary Ball Washington arrive at their new home, Ferry Farm, and Washington spends the remainder of his childhood there. Lawrence visits him and invites him and his mother to his wedding ceremony, as he is to be married to the wealthy Anne Fairfax. They travel to the Fairfax home in Belvoir, Virginia, where Will Fairfax takes Washington to see the stables, wishing to befriend him. They go out hunting together along with the rest of the Fairfax family. Lord Fairfax, the family patriarch from England, pays a visit and Washington meets him. Lord Fairfax insists on trying out a number of hunting dogs bred for him on the Fairfax estate, and Will and Washington work together to ensure that the hunt is successful.

Later, Will comes to visit Washington at Ferry Farm and recruit him in an expedition to help chart the vast amount of wilderness purchased by his father. Mary protests at first, but Will assures her that Washington will be paid for his services and learn much about the surveying trade. The expedition progresses and stops at a roadside inn one night, where Washington meets Caleb Quinn, an unshaven, drunk, boisterous guide. Washington and Will befriend him and share a few drinks with him. The next day, Will accidentally tumbles off his horse and down the side of a hill. Washington goes to help him and in the process runs into several Indians, although they manage to make peaceful contact before moving on and utilizing their help in conducting their survey. They eventually part ways amicably. Washington returns to Ferry Farm and regales his family with tales of his experiences during the expedition. Will and Lawrence depart for Williamsburg in order to play a part in local politics. They return and Will introduces Washington to his fiancée Sally, whom Washington finds quite attractive.

Lawrence falls ill and convinces Washington to attend a party with Anne in his stead. At Sally’s insistence he joins in a dance with her, although he claims to be a poor dancer. She pulls him aside to give him a lesson in subtle romantic communication, implying that she is attracted to him as well. Lawrence’s condition worsens over the next few days, much to Washington’s distress; he soon dies from his illness. At the governor’s palace in Williamsburg, Virginia, Washington visits Governor Robert Dinwiddie with a letter from Lord Fairfax recommending that he succeed Lawrence’s position as Adjutant of Virginia. Governor Dinwiddie explains that he has decided to divide the colony of Virginia into four military districts, and he intends to appoint Washington as adjutant of the smallest one of the four. Washington asks that he be appointed over the district containing Fairfax County, but Dinwiddie rebuffs his presumptuousness and Washington accepts his original offer. The position comes with an annual stipend and the rank of Major. He also informs Washington that the French are advancing upon the colonies from the north, and that he is considering sending an emissary to negotiate with the French. Washington accepts the position, aware of the considerable danger it poses it him.

Washington sets out with Will to the north to speak with the French, traveling over hundreds of miles of uncharted territory in the process. They meet up with their interpreter, Van Braam, and encounter Caleb again; he is acting as a guide for Van Braam. Washington continues along with Caleb and Van Braam, and Caleb warns Washington about the extensive network of French spies among the Indians. They reach the French fort and Washington has a meeting with the commandant, General St. Pierre. They discuss a dispute over the sovereignty of territory south of Canada, and St. Pierre cautions Washington not to inadvertently start a war with a diplomatic misstep. He gives Washington a response claiming that the French will not recant their claim over the territory. Washington returns to the Fairfax estate and relates his experiences in the north. He says that war with the French over the matter is unavoidable and that soldiers are being mustered for the cause; Washington is to be appointed as second-in-command of a regiment from Virginia with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Before that he visits Ferry Farm to see his family.

Washington assembles his troops, including Van Braam and Caleb, hoping to reinforce soldiers at the Monongahela River. Caleb informs him that his commanding officer will not be arriving at their rendezvous point, thus leaving them severely outnumbered. To counter this, they suggest recruiting Indians sympathetic to their cause. They raid the camp of a French ambassador and kill him, outraging the House of Burgesses. Washington defends himself by presenting evidence that the ambassador’s party was actually part of a spy mission. Nevertheless, the diplomatic implications of killing the ambassador remain. At the frontier outpost of Fort Necessity, Virginia, work commences to construct fortifications. A troop of British regulars arrive to reinforce them, led by Captain James Mackay. They get into an argument over seniority, but are interrupted when Caleb reports a troop of French soldiers advancing on their position. Washington hastily directs his men to take up defensive positions and create improvised barricades. A combined force of French and Indians attack Fort Necessity, and their ambush tactics and superior numbers soon overwhelm the defenders. Captain Mackay and Caleb recommend surrendering to the attackers, and soon Washington accepts their advice, attempting to negotiate with them under a white flag.

Later, Washington reports back to Governor Dinwiddie, who criticizes the terms of Washington’s surrender; it involved him admitting to the murder of the ambassador and giving up Fort Necessity to the French. He argues that he had no choice but to agree to the terms, fearful that the Indians may have taken advantage of his numerous casualties. Governor Dinwiddie points out that his signed confession gives the French casus belli to declare war on the British territories. They get into an argument and Governor Dinwiddie reorganizes the Virginia regiment into ten companies, offering Washington command of one, demoting him to the rank of captain. Washington discusses the matter with Will, talking about his disillusionment with the “glory” of battle after losing so many men at Fort Necessity. Washington leaves behind military service for the time being in order to assist his mother. He gets the Fairfaxes to be allowed to lease the now-empty Mount Vernon as a home of his own, hoping to live out the rest of his days as a farmer.

In 1755, Sally visits Washington at Mount Vernon, and he gives her a tour of his incomplete house. During the tour, Sally asks Washington about his romantic designs and he still expresses an attraction towards her. They are interrupted by the arrival of Will, who informs Washington of the arrival of a detachment of British regulars led by General Braddock, intending to take the French Fort Duquesne; it is a vital strategic point and could be used to block the French ingress into the colonies. Washington visits General Braddock at his headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, where he requests Washington’s help due to his experience as a surveyor. He plans to circumvent Governor Dinwiddie’s orders by making Washington a civilian aid without formal military rank. Washington accepts his offer and leaves his younger brother Jack in charge of Mount Vernon. His mother protests his inclusion in General Braddock’s forces, but he leaves anyway. He also bids farewell to Will and his ill father, and Sally says goodbye in private as Washington remarks that a military life seems to be the only one that suits him, and that he feels his attraction to her is inappropriate. Before he leaves, she gives him a pocket watch she received from her father.

At Alexandria, Washington meets with General Braddock and his other military advisors. He voices concerns about their plans to transport heavy ordnance across the wilderness and points out that they are unused to fighting Canadian French forces, especially in unfamiliar colonial terrain. He warns them of ambush and harassment tactics employed by Indian forces, but Braddock and his men are unreceptive to his concerns. Their attempts to advance to Fort Duquesne are complicated by a shortage of supplies and attacks by Indians in the woods. In private, Washington recommends dividing the army so as to quicken their pace and possibly launch a surprise attack on the French. General Braddock sends him to the governor’s office to fetch money to pay the men, and on the way he stops at Belvoir to get a fresh horse. Sally tells him that her father-in-law has been taken to the doctor and insists that Washington stay there, but he says he has no time and tries to leave. She notes his attempts at a commanding presence and agrees to his request. She suggests setting up a covert letter correspondence with him, and he seems to agree.

Washington returns to camp with a fever and General Braddock orders him to rest. He also discovers that General Braddock has hired Caleb to help guide the troops. Washington is eager to accompany the troops to the front, but General Braddock says he needs rest and he will be brought to the front in due time. However, Washington is restless and has Caleb help him join the march despite his lack of recovery time. He joins them at a river crossing, and General Braddock is relieved that the French have not attacked them there. A few miles outside of Fort Duquesne, General Braddock plans a frontal assault and Washington objects. Their advance scouts are ambushed by Indians and this throws the troop into disarray as General Braddock tries to keep them in formation. A pitched gun battle with Indian forces ensues, and General Braddock’s tactics prove to be ineffective against them. Washington instructs his Virginian troops to use cover tactics, and he argues with General Braddock about this; he believes that taking cover is a sign of cowardice. During the battle Washington is unhorsed and General Braddock is shot. Washington and Caleb manage to get General Braddock off the battlefield as they direct the troops to fall back. French forces commandeer the British artillery cannons and use them against General Braddock’s retreating forces. After pulling back across the river, Washington and Caleb look on as General Braddock succumbs to his gunshot wound and dies.

On Washington’s orders, supplies and baggage are dumped in order to speed the regiment’s retreat. General Braddock is buried in an unmarked grave to prevent his body from being desecrated by Indians. Governor Dinwiddie calls for the formation of a new Virginia regiment, and Will suggests that Washington be put in command of it. Governor Dinwiddie consents to do so despite his misgivings about Washington’s various failures. His promotion is announced at a formal party at the governor’s mansion, and Sally speaks to Washington, encouraging him to seek a wife of his own. In 1757 at the Philadelphia State House, Washington requests that his provincial soldiers be made regulars in the British army, citing his unparalleled experience in frontier tactics and the years of service he has given to defend British sovereignty. He argues that even though he is a colonial he has as much right as any other subject of the British crown. However, his request is denied due to his lack of formal military education and his murder of the French ambassador. Washington is outraged at this turn of events, feeling that he deserves better consideration.

He learns that Martha Custis, an acquaintance of his, has recently become a widow after her husband died from illness. He goes to visit her to lend his condolences, and while there she helps treat his upset stomach. They agree to see each other again in the near future. He directs further action against the French in coordination with Indian forces. Washington’s chronic illnesses get the better of him and he collapses. He is brought to Mount Vernon to recover, and Sally tends to him at his bedside. Will has already left for England after his father passed away. He slowly recovers as his aides command his regiment by proxy, suffering from a shortage of winter clothes and other supplies. Sally continues to visit him, although he eventually tells her that he no longer needs her to. They end up in an embrace, although Washington stops himself before anything further can occur. He decides he is well enough to leave his house and visits Martha and her children. He and Marth have a discussion about the importance of family in their lives, and remark that they feel “at peace” with each other. Washington meets with Will and tells him about plans to enlarge the regiment, and asks him to oversee refurbishments to the Mount Vernon estate, mentioning his intention to marry. Just before leaving for Fort Duquesne, Washington visits Martha again and says that he intends to marry her when he returns. She is touched by this and accepts his proposal.

At the British encampment near Fort Duquesne, Washington reads letters sent to him by Will and Sally while he tries to wait out various delays on the attack. He feels that they must attack before the French can reinforce Fort Duquesne. He sends a letter back to Sally effectively ending their relationship. Washington and his regiment advance on Fort Duquesne, only to find that the French have already abandoned it. He is suspicious of this and orders that the fort be secured, disappointed at what appears to be the latest in a long series of failures on his part. He leaves the military again and takes the opportunity to marry Martha. He brings her and her children to live with him in Mount Vernon, and they express a desire to make each other happy. Five years later, in 1764, Washington and Will go out on a hunt around the Mount Vernon property. Washington, now an often-absent member of the House of Burgesses, is asked to attend a meeting about a new stamp tax being leveled on the colonies; several colonial statesmen are upset that they are not afforded proper representation with regards to these economic measures. At the meeting, Washington speaks out in favor of legislation to prevent pigs from wandering about; he says nothing about the new taxation, angering his ally George Mason. Mason believes the colonies should have to right to govern and protect themselves and that Washington should take a stand against the British taxation. However, Washington still considers himself a loyal subject of the crown and is unwilling to incite unrest. In the House meeting he witnesses junior member Patrick Henry make an impassioned plea against the taxation and against British rule, causing an outrage. Commercials deleted.

Details

• NETWORK: CBS
• DATE: April 8, 1984 8:00 PM
• RUNNING TIME: 2:30:32
• COLOR/B&W: Color
• CATALOG ID: B:60510
• GENRE: Drama, historical
• SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, historical; History - American; Presidents - United States; Indigenous Peoples Collection
• SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1984
• COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

• David Gerber … Executive Producer
• Buzz Kulik … Supervising Producer, Director
• Richard Fielder … Producer, Writer
• David Silver … Associate Producer
• Jon Boothe … Writer
• James Thomas Flexner … Based on the books on George Washington by
• Laurence Rosenthal … Music by
• Barry Bostwick … Cast, George Washington
• Patty Duke Astin (See also: Patty Duke) … Cast, Martha Washington
• David Dukes … Cast, Will Fairfax
• Jaclyn Smith … Cast, Sally Fairfax
• Lloyd Bridges … Cast, Caleb Quinn
• Jose Ferrer … Cast, Governor Dinwiddie
• Hal Holbrook … Cast, John Adams
• Trevor Howard … Cast, Lord Fairfax
• Jeremy Kemp … Cast, General Gates
• Richard Kiley … Cast, George Mason
• Stephen Macht … Cast, General Benedict Arnold
• James Mason … Cast, General Braddock
• Rosemary Murphy … Cast, Mary Ball Washington
• Clive Revill … Cast, Lord Loudoun
• Robert Stack … Cast, General Stark
• Anthony Zerbe … Cast, General St. Pierre
• Robert Schenkkan … Cast, Alexander Hamilton
• Leo Burmeister … Cast, Eban Krutch
• Patrick James Clarke … Cast, Joseph Mooney
• Kevin Conroy … Cast, John Laurens
• John Glover … Cast, Charles Lee
• Philip Casnoff … Cast, Lafayette
• Harry Groener … Cast, Patrick Henry
• Josh Clark … Cast, Tench Tilghman
• William Prince … Cast, William Fairfax
• Ann McDonough … Cast, Anne
• William Lyman … Cast, Lawrence
• Patrick Horgan … Cast, General Howe
• Jace Alexander … Cast, Dan
• Barrie Ingham … Cast, General Clinton
• Scott Hylands … Cast, General Greene
• Ned Romero … Cast, Tanachriston
• J. Kenneth Campbell … Cast, Richard Henry Lee
• John Horton … Cast, General Cornwallis
• Jon Matthews … Cast, Jacky Custis
• Peter Evans … Cast, Colonel Mifflin
• Tom Mason … Cast, Colonel Reed
• Megan Gallagher … Cast, Peggy Shippen
• Leon B. Stevens … Cast, Joseph Galloway
• Nicolas Surovy … Cast, Colonel Conway
• Farnham Scott … Cast, General Knox
• Louis Turenne … Cast, General Rochambeau
• Kelsey Grammer … Cast, Lieutenant Stevens
• Elva Leff (See also: Elva Josephson) … Cast, Patsy Custis
• John Ridge … Cast, Van Braam
• Brad Sullivan … Cast, General Artemus Ward
• Vigo Mortenson (See also: Viggo Mortenson) … Cast, Lieutenant at LeBoeuf
• John Means (See also: John Meanes) … Cast, General O'Hara
• Christine Estabrook … Cast, Abigail Adams
• Louisa Flaningham … Cast, Milly
• Robert Elston … Cast, Peyton Randolph
• Richard Fancy … Cast, Sam Adams
• Justin Freiman … Cast, Jacky Custis as Teenager
• Kurt Knudson … Cast, Baron Von Steuben
• David McGinley … Cast, Colonel Wilkinson
• Robert O'Neill … Cast, Lee's Aide
• Jerry Gatlin … Cast, Bob
• Randy Anderson … Cast, Major Andre
• Matt Calahan (See also: Matt Callahan) … Cast, Lieutenant Tarleton
• Doug Wing … Cast, James Delancey
• Patrick F. McDade … Cast, Isaac Low
• John Klaus Becker … Cast, Colonel Roll
• Tom McCarthy … Cast, Dockworker Spy
• Robert Noble … Cast, Enos Tarbell
• Bonnie Patrick … Cast, Patience
• Tim Moyer … Cast, John Jay
• Sally Mercer … Cast, Prudence Mooney
• Gavin Pearce … Cast, George Washington (as a child)
• Jennifer Johnson … Cast, Betty Washington (as a child)
• James C. Scopeletis (See also: Jim Scopelitis) … Cast, Captain Mercer
• B.J. Morrison … Cast, Jacky Custis (as a child)
• John A. Washington V … Cast, John Augustine Washington
• Tom Assalone … Cast, Augustine Washington
• Teresa Ann Payne … Cast, Betty Washington (as a child)
• Kristi Alford … Cast, Patsy as Child
• Rex Ellis … Cast, Benjamin
• Bill Grimmett … Cast, Martha's Butler
• Mike Hodge … Cast, Breechy
• David Lively … Cast, John Alton
• Greg Ashburn … Cast, Execution Officer
• June Thorne … Cast, Nanny Jane
• Richard Rhodes … Cast, Lieutenant Colonel Verick
• Terrence Currier … Cast, Captain Mackay
• Ron Canada … Cast, Billy Lee
• Octavia Arnold … Cast, Mrs. Blair
• Wally Doyle … Cast, Major Campbell
• Michael Allinson … Cast, General Gage
• Ralph Cosham … Cast, Braddock's Captain
• Doug Roberts … Cast, Auctioneer
• Richard Learman … Cast, Daniel Custis
• Carroll James … Cast, Reverend Massey
• Donald Neal … Cast, Genn
• Richard Nephew … Cast, Running Elk
• Timothy Rice … Cast, Lawyer Turnbull
• Bentley Anderson … Cast, John Blair
• Norman Maxwell … Cast, Trelawny
• Ian Goodwin … Cast, Speaker of the House
• Dennis Telfer … Cast, Surgeon
• Michael Fealy … Cast, Hobart
• Kelly Kathleen Learman … Cast, Betsy Potts
• Robert Albertia … Cast
• Eddie Allen … Cast
• Josh Ashland … Cast
• T.G. Cody … Cast
• Pennell Colodny … Cast
• Brian Corrigan … Cast
• Hugh B. D'Alessandro … Cast
• Janis Dardaris … Cast
• Ed Dolan … Cast
• Malcolm Edwards … Cast
• Douglas T. Estadt … Cast
• Elizabeth Fielder … Cast
• John Fielder … Cast
• Richard Fielder Jr. … Cast
• Tom Finn … Cast
• Willie Fitts … Cast
• Eric Forsythe … Cast
• Sandra Freck … Cast
• Josiah James Hill … Cast
• Sean Kelly … Cast
• Greg Learman … Cast
• Gretchen Learman … Cast
• David Long … Cast
• Thomas Jeffries Madigan … Cast
• Matt McCreavy … Cast
• Dave Moordigian … Cast
• J. Craig Nannos … Cast
• Michael Ostrowski … Cast
• Frank Reifsnyder … Cast
• Jerry Rowe … Cast
• Terry Smith … Cast
• Brett Smrz … Cast
• Henry Strozier … Cast
• John Tatum … Cast
• Glenn Taylor … Cast
• Mitchell Thomas … Cast
• Richard Timberlake … Cast
• Guillame Tostain … Cast
• Christopher Whelan … Cast
• Doug Wild … Cast
• John D. Williams III … Cast
• Al Wright … Cast

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