Sons of Liberty (miniseries)

Sons of Liberty
Genre Historical drama
Written by
Directed by Kari Skogland
Starring
Theme music composer Hans Zimmer
Composer(s) Lorne Balfe & The Bleeding Fingers Custom Music Shop
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of episodes 3
Production
Executive producer(s)
  • Stephen David
  • Elaine Frontain Bryant
  • Matthew Gross
  • Russell McCarroll
Producer(s)
  • Mitch Engel
  • Tim W. Kelly
  • Peter Feldman
  • Matthew Stillman
  • David Minkowski
Editor(s) Paul Trejo
Location(s) Buftea, Romania
Cinematography George Steel
Running time 84–86 minutes
Production company(s) Stephen David Entertainment
Stillking Films
A+E Studios
Distributor History
Release
Original network History
Original release January 25 (2015-01-25) – January 27, 2015 (2015-01-27)
External links
Website

Sons of Liberty is a three-part American television miniseries dramatizing the early American Revolution events in Boston, Massachusetts, the start of the Revolutionary War, and the negotiations of the Second Continental Congress which resulted in the drafting and signing of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence. Directed by Kari Skogland, the three-part miniseries premiered on History (U.S. TV channel) on January 25, 2015. The series theme music was composed by Hans Zimmer.[1][2]

Plot

The miniseries centers primarily on the years (1765-1776) prior to start of the American Revolutionary War. Focusing on historical figures and pivotal events between the (then) British Colonies and the mother country of Great Britain to whom then British America owed its allegiance. Particularly the events that led to resistance to the crown and creation of the Sons of Liberty, a group that coalesced to resist & disrupt attempts by the British Parliament and crown to tax and govern the colonies.

The actions of the Sons of Liberty were the first beginnings of what would eventually become the American or Continental Army. These take place mostly in and around Boston & the then colony of Massachusetts.

Various American Revolutionary and British Army officers such as Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and British General Thomas Gage are central characters.

Additionally, creation of the Colonial Congress, the Declaration of Independence and the eventual outbreak of the Revolutionary War are depicted.

Tagline: (during the teaser trailer)

“ There's the revolution you know. And the one that's about to begin. ”

Cast and characters

Principal cast

Supporting cast

Episodes

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date U.S. viewers
(in millions)
1"A Dangerous Game[4]"Kari SkoglandKirk Ellis and Stephen David & David C. WhiteJanuary 25, 2015 (2015-01-25)3.29[5]
Still a group of colonies living under British oppression in 1765, local gangs fight each other over turf in the streets of Boston, much less thinking of starting a revolution. When tax collector and pub owner Sam Adams doesn’t pay his own taxes, the Crown puts out a warrant for his arrest, leading to the destruction of Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson's mansion. Wealthy businessman John Hancock and Sam establish a black-market smuggling operation and boycott all goods from Tory shops, identifying them with a "T" painted on their storefronts. But an altercation between a loyalist and a Colonist mob lead to a young boy’s murder. Then, in 1770, after a conflict escalates with the Redcoats turn into a massacre, the wheels are put in motion to start a resistance against British tyranny.
2"The Uprising"Kari SkoglandStephen David & David C. WhiteJanuary 26, 2015 (2015-01-26)2.83[6]
After the Colonists destroy 600,000 pounds of tea into the Boston Harbor in 1773, King George sends General Thomas Gage to Boston to remove Governor Hutchinson from office and restore balance. Sam, Hancock and John Adams set off for Philadelphia to gather arms and support at the Pennsylvania State House, and meet the intense George Washington, a delegate from Virginia. Hancock financially supports Sam and his recruits to begin training their own rebel army on a rural farm outside the city. When the British catches wind of it, they order their capture, leading Paul Revere to set out on his famous ride to warn of the Redcoats coming into Lexington in 1775. Meanwhile, the newly formed Colonial militia clash with the British Army in the shot heard round the world.
3"Independence"Kari SkoglandStory by: Stephen David & David C. White and Kirk Ellis
Teleplay by: Stephen David & David C. White		January 27, 2015 (2015-01-27)3.30[7]
The start of the American Revolution begins as the Redcoats and the Massachusetts militia continue to fight at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Now that the battles develop into a full-blown war, Sam and Hancock enlist Ben Franklin help them convince state delegates to support their cause for freedom. Meanwhile, General Gage charges Bunker Hill, causing the Patriots to suffer a major defeat. The loss inspires a document—the Declaration of Independence—written up by Thomas Jefferson, is signed by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Colonists celebrate the evacuation of British troops in Boston. The newly formed Continental Army, led by General Washington will be put to the test when the Royal Navy’s ships attack New York Harbor.

Production

According to The Hollywood Reporter, production on Sons of Liberty began in the summer of 2014.[8] The miniseries was also going to feature the minor story lines of Benedict Arnold and Patrick Henry.[9]

Release

The first teaser trailer was released on September 1, 2014, during Houdini, which incorrectly revealed a December 2014 release date and featured The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black".[10]

In Australia, Sons of Liberty aired on SBS One from February 5, 2015 as a six-part series.[11]

In the United Kingdom, Sons of Liberty aired on History Channel from June 2, 2015, also as a six-part series.

Home media

Sons of Liberty was released on DVD and Blu-ray on May 26, 2015.

Reception

Historical authenticity

The History Channel billed the series as a "dramatic interpretation of events"[12] and a work of "historical fiction", arguing the goal of the miniseries was "to capture the spirit of the time, convey the personalities of the main characters, and focus on real events that have shaped our past".[12] Nevertheless, the series has attracted criticism for its historical inaccuracies.[13][14]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Hibberd, James (June 4, 2014). "History’s ‘Sons of Liberty’ miniseries casts Dean Norris, Ben Barnes, Henry Thomas". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  2. ↑ Webb Mitovich, Matt (November 4, 2014). "History Sets Date for Sons of Liberty Miniseries — Watch the First Teaser". TVLine. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Sons of Liberty Full Cast & Crew". IMDB. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  4. ↑ "Sons of Liberty (History)". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  5. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 27, 2015). "Cable Top 25: NFL Pro Bowl Tops Cable Viewership for the Week Ending January 25, 2015". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  6. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 27, 2015). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Love & Hip Hop' & 'Monday Night RAW' Top Night + 'Black Ink Crew', 'Street Outlaws' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  7. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 28, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Tops Night + 'Pretty Little Liars', 'The Haves and the Have Nots', 'Sons of Liberty' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Dean Norris Among Stars in History's Miniseries 'Sons of Liberty'". The Hollywood Reporter. June 4, 2014.
  9. ↑ http://www.thewrap.com/tv/article/history-developing-american-revolution-miniseries-sons-liberty-85361/
  10. ↑ "Sons Of Liberty - Promo #1" on YouTube
  11. ↑ Knox, David (16 January 2015). "Airdate: Sons of Liberty". TV Tonight. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  12. 1 2 "History Channel’s Sons of Liberty Series". History. January 23, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  13. ↑ Mcnamara, Mary (January 24, 2015). "'Sons of Liberty' takes a few too many liberties on History". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  14. ↑ Verenna, Thomas (January 23, 2015). "Discover the Truth Behind History Channel’s Sons of Liberty Series". American Revolution Journal. Retrieved January 27, 2015.

External links

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