A Film About War, Peace and the Power of Protest
PREMIERED ON THE PBS AMERICAN EXPERIENCE SERIES
Broadcast in the UK, Australia, France and Vietnam
“A fascinating look at an important chapter in 20th century U.S. history and a celebration of activism's power.”
– NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER
The MOVEMENT and the “MADMAN” shows how two antiwar protests in the fall of 1969 — the largest the country had ever seen — pressured President Nixon to cancel what he called his “madman” plans for a massive escalation of the U.S. war in Vietnam, including threats to use nuclear weapons.
At the time, protestors had no idea what they had prevented and how many lives they had saved.
Our film is a deeply researched project told by a variety of voices providing multiple perspectives. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews with antiwar movement organizers, members of Congress, historians, and Nixon administration officials, including three men who worked directly with Kissinger on Nixon’s “madman” plans.
It’s an inspiring story that offers hope in a time of new wars and nuclear threats. Press coverage and reviews.
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the U.S. war in Vietnam, a time to reflect on the nature and impact of that conflict and to explore what lessons we can draw from it for today.
"Engaging, well-made ... resonates in our own time."
– THE PROGRESSIVE
Watch the Film
The MOVEMENT and the “MADMAN” premiered as a special presentation of the American Experience PBS series on March 28, 2023. PBS re-releases the film on May 10, 2025. Contact your local station for exact day and time in your area.
Here’s how you can view and own the film now:
Amazon Prime Video, purchase
American Experience website, free with PBS Passport
Kanopy, free with public library or college login
For college and university licensing:
Film Screenings
Attend an upcoming film screening or organize your own public event with our film. A variety of groups, colleges, libraries and festivals have booked a screening, some with followup discussions.
Learn more >
View the PBS Trailer
The film was made possible thanks to the support of these two foundations and over 400 individual donors