Friendly Persuasion (1975)
A stirring Civil War-era TV drama about faith, courage, and a Quaker family's dangerous commitment to freedom.
Friendly Persuasion - Movie Information
- Original Title: Friendly Persuasion
- Release Year: 1975
- Directed by: Joseph Sargent
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, TV Movie
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Alternative Titles: Except for Me and Thee (US)
- Production Companies: Allied Artists Pictures, International Television Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Friendly Persuasion - Plot
During the Civil War, a Quaker couple risks their lives by helping runaway slaves.
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Friendly Persuasion - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joseph Sargent
Main Cast
- Richard Kiley
- Shirley Knight
- Clifton James
- Michael O'Keefe
- Kevin O'Keefe
- Tracie Savage
- Sparky Marcus
- Paul Benjamin
- Erik Holland
- Maria Grimm
Writers
- William P. Wood
- Jessamyn West
Producers
- Joseph Sargent
Friendly Persuasion - FAQs
What is Friendly Persuasion about?
Friendly Persuasion is a 1975 TV drama set during the American Civil War. It follows Jess and Eliza Birdwell, a devout Quaker couple in Indiana who put their pacifist beliefs and personal safety on the line by sheltering and guiding runaway slaves through the Underground Railroad.
Is Friendly Persuasion based on a true story?
Friendly Persuasion is based on the writings of Jessamyn West, who co-wrote the screenplay. West's stories about the Birdwell family draw on her own Quaker heritage and family history, lending the film an authentic emotional grounding, though the specific characters and events are fictionalized.
Who are the main actors in Friendly Persuasion?
The film stars Richard Kiley as Jess Birdwell and Shirley Knight as his wife Eliza Birdwell. The supporting cast includes Clifton James, Michael O'Keefe, Kevin O'Keefe, Tracie Savage, Sparky Marcus, Paul Benjamin, Erik Holland, and Maria Grimm.
Who directed Friendly Persuasion (1975)?
Friendly Persuasion (1975) was directed by Joseph Sargent, a prolific television and film director known for his work on The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974). Sargent also served as producer on this project, bringing both creative and logistical oversight to the production.
When was Friendly Persuasion released?
Friendly Persuasion premiered on May 18, 1975. It was produced as a television movie for American broadcast, airing as part of the wave of socially conscious TV films that characterized American network television drama during the mid-1970s.
How long is Friendly Persuasion (1975)?
Friendly Persuasion has a runtime of 100 minutes, or 1 hour and 40 minutes. This is a standard length for a television movie of the era, allowing sufficient time to develop the Birdwell family's moral dilemmas and their dangerous involvement with the Underground Railroad.
Is Friendly Persuasion related to the 1956 Gary Cooper film?
Yes. Both the 1956 theatrical film starring Gary Cooper and this 1975 TV movie draw from Jessamyn West's Birdwell family stories. The 1975 version, subtitled Except for Me and Thee in some markets, is a separate production focusing specifically on the Underground Railroad storyline during the Civil War.
Where can I watch Friendly Persuasion (1975)?
Friendly Persuasion (1975) is available to stream or purchase on select platforms in the United States. For the most current and complete list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase availability in your region, check JustWatch for up-to-date viewing options.
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