Copperhead

Based on the novel by Harold Frederic, Copperhead was inspired by actual events that took place in upstate New York, circa 1862. Dairy farmer Abner Beech (Campbell) despises slavery—but just as passionately opposes the war that President Lincoln is waging, all in the name of "union" hundreds of miles away. Abner is neither a Yankee nor a Rebel. He is what is known as a "Copperhead." A local anti-slavery zealot named Hagadorn (Macfadyen) stirs up the town against him, with pamphlets and rumors that prompt shopkeepers to boycott Abner's dairy products, and next by coaxing the community to shun his family. Worse, Abner's son falls in love with Hagadorn's daughter—marching off to war to please her, but goes missing in action. Hagadorn's wild-eyed rhetoric ignites a torch-bearing mob, placing all that both men love in mortal danger. This is Director Ron Maxwell's third Civil War drama, following Gettysburg and Gods And Generals. (Gary Reber)