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An Empire of Reason

0 %|Jul 3, 1988|Documentary, Drama, History

Docudrama about the debate surrounding New York State's ratification of the United States Constitution. Historical figures wear modern dress and use familiar language to help today's audience understand firsthand the forces that shaped this country two hundred years ago. The argument, characters, passions and debating points are historically accurate, but the language and the medium of the debate is modern in form. Present day newscasters and commentators play themselves, reporting on the events of the 1780s as though they were occurring now.

Featured Crew

Ellen Giffard
Director
Muffie Meyer
Director
Muffie Meyer
Producer
Ellen Giffard
Producer
Ed Marritz
Director of Photography
Alison Ellwood
Editor
Arnold Black
Original Music Composer
Lynn Piasecki
Associate Producer

Cast

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Cokie Roberts
Self - Host
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Jamey Sheridan
Daniel Shays
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Ed Koch
Mayor of New York City, 1788
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James Rebhorn
Jesse Woodhull
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François Giroday
Alexander Hamilton
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Christopher Curry
John Lansing, Jr.
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Nesbitt Blaisdell
Gov. George Clinton
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Sol Wachtler
John Jay
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Drew Snyder
Demonstrator
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Joseph Warren
Robert Yates
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John C. Vennema
Robert R. Livingston
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E.G. Marshall
Federalist Spokesman
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Rex Robbins
Isaac Roosevelt
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Edwin McDonough
Donahue Audience Member
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Richard Bright
Donahue Audience Member
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Richard Seff
Donahue Audience Member
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William Duell
Donahue Audience Member
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MacIntyre Dixon
Donahue Audience Member
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Patrick Clear
Donahue Audience Member
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Eli Wallach
Anti-Federalist Spokesman
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Roberts Blossom
Melancton Smith
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Guy Paul
Convention Secretary
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Jonathan Bolt
Anti-Federalist Delegate
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Stu Daly
Voice-over Announcer