Johnny Tremain [VHS]
Looking for a way to make the American Revolution come alive for your  child? Based onEsther Forbes's  bookof the same name,Johnny Tremaintakes place in Boston from July 1773 through April 1775, and tells the  story of a young apprentice silversmith drawn into a fight for human rights. When  an accident cripples Johnny Tremain's hand and ends his hopes of becoming a great silversmith, Tremain finds himself without work and accused of a  crime he did not commit. Sons of Liberty members Paul Revere and Josiah  Quincy are outraged by the circumstantial case against Tremain, agree to  represent him free of charge, and win his acquittal in court. Through  association with his new friends, Tremain begins to better understand the  current political climate, and eventually joins them in the battle for  freedom. Tremain's involvement in the emptying of British tea into  Boston Harbor, the arrival of the Redcoats in Boston, and the beginnings of the American Revolution at Concord is powerful and moving. The costuming is  splendid, the music patriotic, and the dialogue well crafted. The film  stars Hal Stalmaster as Johnny Tremain, costars Luana Patten and Jeff  York, and runs 80 minutes. This classic  Disney film is wonderful entertainment and a fairly faithful representation of a crucial period in American history. (Ages 8 and older)--Tami  Horiuchi