Lights, Camera, Action!

The most momentous events in George Washington’s life unfold in a vivid 18-minute action adventure movie in the Ford Orientation Center.  Packed with action, drama, and even a little romance, “We Fight to Be Free” introduces visitors to the real George Washington as the “indispensable man” who was responsible for the survival of this country.  The large-format film, produced by Greystone Films, was shot primarily at Mount Vernon.

The movie is made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.  Additional funding for the film comes from Donald and Nancy de Laski, philanthropists from Great Falls, Virginia, who also funded the gallery “A Leader’s Smile” in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center.

Intended not as an orientation film but instead as a major movie experience highlighting Washington’s remarkable accomplishments, the film takes viewers back in time to defining moments of the French and Indian War.  This formative chapter of Washington’s life is not widely taught, however it is the first example of his burgeoning leadership and development of military strategy.  Filmgoers see a daring, youthful Washington cheating death during Braddock’s defeat when Washington takes over for the dying general and two horses are shot out from under him.

Cameras capture a young, widowed Martha Dandridge Custis and the sparks that fly when she meets her future husband.  Frequently portrayed in history books as a stoic general or solemn president, Washington exudes flirtatious charm in this memorable scene that dispels the elder statesman icon and brings Washington to life.

The Revolutionary War is the primary setting for the movie and serves as the point from which the other scenes of Washington’s life are illuminated as “flashbacks”.  Mere days before Washington’s troops famously cross the Delaware River at Christmastime in 1776, the gravity of the situation is evident.  Young officers are trying to keep their tattered forces together as they combat hunger and disease.  Freezing temperatures create more suffering for the overmatched soldiers.  But Washington’s bold plan and his commanding presence inspires those around him.  As the troops ready for their legendary crossing, the film fast-forwards to Washington at another pivotal moment – resigning his Army commission rather than trying to parlay it into more power, instead returning to private life at Mount Vernon.

After eight long years fighting for freedom, Washington finally returns home to Mount Vernon in the last scene of the film.  Viewers are brought about to understand Washington’s direct role in creating and protecting the nation, and his legacy – a country founded on democratic ideals – is solidified for those who previously saw Washington as a staid figure on the dollar bill and who did not know the depth of his accomplishments and sacrifices.

Theaters in the Ford Orientation Center

Included in general admission, “We Fight to Be Free” is presented in rotation in two adjacent theaters with total stadium seating for 450 viewers, 300 in the larger and 150 in the smaller.  Unlike traditional movie houses, every seat has an optimal vantage point; an unusually large floor at the front of the theaters was intentionally designed so that visitors never have to crane their necks if they are in the front row.

With a screen size of 40 x 17 feet and state-of-the-art 5.1 Dolby surround sound, the two theaters were designed with dimensions for large-format entertainment.   

Cast Biographies

GEORGE WASHINGTON: Sebastian Roche

Born in Paris, of Scottish and French heritage, Sebastian Roche is a graduate of the prestigious Conservatoire Superiur d’Art Dramatique of Paris.  He has an extensive classical theatre background and credits, notably in Salome with Al Pacino, Titus Andronicus and the Green Bird with Julie Taymor, Hamlet, Arms and the Man, Macbeth, Mirandolina, and Trainspotting.  Television credits include roles in “Alias”, “C.S.I.”, “Charmed”, and “Law & Order”, in addition to the award winning “The Hunley” and “The Crossing”.  “Beowulf”, directed by Robert Zemeckis, is currently in post production.

MARTHA DANDRIDGE CUSTIS: Caroline Goodall

Born in Britain to Australian parents, Caroline Goodall is internationally known as a leading actress who has starred in some of the biggest blockbusters of the last fifteen years, including Schindler's List (1993), Hook (1991), Cliffhanger (1993), Disclosure (1994), White Squall (1996) and The Princess Diaries (2001).  She was nominated for Best Actress by the Australian Film Institute in 1990 for Cassidy (1989) (TV) and again in 1995 for Hotel Sorrento (1995). There followed a Logie nomination for Best Actress for "A Difficult Woman" (1998) (mini) which also won best TV mini series at the New York Festival in 1998.

GENERAL EDWARD BRADDOCK:  Peter Woodward

A native to the UK, Peter Woodward studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.  His long and impressive career spans television, film and theater.  He hosted the Emmy nominated TV Documentary “Egypt: Beyond the Pyramids”. Theatre credits include a season with the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Winter’s Tale. Peter was also Resident Fight Director for the Company. He has produced for the British Actors Theatre Company and is a member of the British Academy of Dramatic Combat.

DR. JAMES CRAIK:  Stephen Lang

Stephen Lang made his screen debut in Bud Yorkin’s “Twice in a Lifetime” (1985) and gave strong performances as a tabloid journalist in Michael Mann’s “Manhunter” (1986) and as a closeted homosexual in “Last Exit to Brooklyn” (1989). In 1991’s “The Hard Way”, Lang played the psychotic villain, appeared as General Pickett in “Gettysburg” (1993), “Gods and Generals” (2001) and was featured in John Sayles’ “Lone Star” (1996).  He won acclaim on Broadway as Col. Jessep in Aaron Sorkin’s “A Few Good Men” (1989) and received a Tony nomination for his performance as a disturbed Vietnam veteran in Steve Tesich’s “Speed of Darkness” (1990).

LIEUTENANT JAMES MONROE:  Matthew Humphreys

Matthew Humphreys has an extensive Theatre background, earning his MFA from Yale School of Drama. Credits include “The Good Shepherd” directed by Robert De Niro, and numerous roles on the New York Stage.

GENERAL JAMES STEPHEN:  Ian MacRae

Ian Mac Rae studied at the Kimball Studio and under David Ward at the Drama Theater Workshop at the Bankhead Theatre in Scotland.  He has numerous Film and Theatre credits, both as lead and supporting roles.

COLONEL HENRY KNOX:  Agustine Welles

Agustine Welles received his training at the USC Conservatory Program.  He has performed in numerous Musical Theatre Productions at the Hollywood Bowl, most recently in Camelot with Jeremy Irons.  He has been nominated for the L.A. Outer Critics’ Choice Awards and L.A. Garland Awards, in addition to receiving the Jack Nicholson Acting Award Grant at U.S.C. and 5 Robbie Award Nominations.

SULLIVAN:  Ean Sheehy

Ean Sheehy performs with the Kudalini Komedy Improv Group at venues around New York.  Other credits include a recurring role on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, in addition to numerous commercials and New York Theatre performances. He has also improvised over 30 Nationwide Radio Station calls through United Stations, and contributed voices for Sci-Fi Channel.com cartoon series “Eclipse” and “City of Night.”

RICHARD CHAMBERLAYNE:  Ward Horton

Ward Horton appeared in “The Good Shepherd”, directed by Robert De Niro, “Flight 843” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” for NBC. Theatre credits include roles in “Brighton Beach Memoirs”, “The Crucible”, “Lost in Yonkers” and “Equus”.

THOMAS CHAMBERLAYNE:  David Christopher Wells

David Wells’ resume includes number Shakespearean leading roles, including Macbeth in “Macbeth” and Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet.” He has performed at the Lincoln Center in “The Rivals”.

CHRISTOPHER GIST: John Wojda

Film credits include “Shaft” and “Seven Servants”. He has performed On Broadway in The Merchant of Venice, and Macbeth.  Off Broadway credits include Henry IV, Henry VI, the Merchant of Venice. Shakespeare is a recurring feature of his Resident Theatre resume, with roles in “Twelfth Night”, “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Titus Andronicus”, in addition to “Blithe Spirit”, “Les Liasion Dangereuses” and “Dracula”.

SOLDIER:  John O’Hara

John O’Hara has performed many roles with the 13^th St Repertory Company.  These include Stephen in “Line”, Henry in “Rumple Who?”, and Fred in “A Christmas Carol”.

EMILY CHAMBERLAYNE:  Judie Aronson

Judie has appeared as series regular, and guest star on countless network television shows.  Credits include “Las Vegas”, “Jag”, “Beverly Hills 90210”, “Midnight Caller”. Her film work includes “Hannibal”, directed by Ridley Scott, and “Weird Science”, directed by John Hughes.  Theatre credits include performances with the East West Players and Chrissy in “In the Boom Boom Room” with the Producer’s Club.

Production Staff

Directed by Kees Van Oostrum, written by Lionel Chetwynd, produced by Craig Haffner, and executive produced by Rick Brookwell.

Greystone Films

Greystone Communications is a diversified entertainment company consisting of five divisions: television, film, home video, retail and the Internet. The company was founded in 1986 and today employs a full-time staff of more than 75 people as well as dozens of others on projects currently in production. Greystone occupies over 25,000 square feet of space in North Hollywood, California, which includes executive, creative and post-production facilities. Two of Greystone's principals, Craig Haffner and Donna E. Lusitana, have together produced over 600 hours of television programming in the last six years including numerous series for the Arts & Entertainment Network (A&E), The History Channel and TNN. In addition, Greystone has produced dozens of hours of programming for CBS, NBC, ABC, HGTV, UPN, and Lifetime. Greystone has won Emmy Awards for its programming and most recently received a National Educators Award for its three hour program Ellis Island.

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For more information on the Ford Orientation Center, please contact Emily Coleman Dibella at edibella@mountvernon.org or 703-799-8607.