An Empire of Reason
58 mins
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.
Robert MacNeil
Self
François Giroday
Alexander Hamilton
Sol Wachtler
John Jay
Joseph Warren
Robert Yates
Rex Robbins
Isaac Roosevelt
Edwin McDonough
Donahue Audience Member
Richard Seff
Donahue Audience Member
Guy Paul
Convention Secretary
Stu Daly
Voice-over Announcer
Lynn Piasecki
Associate Producer
John Wright Stevens
Art Direction
Ed Marritz
Director of Photography
Arnold Black
Original Music Composer
Barbara Shapiro
Casting Director
Lawrence Silk
Additional Editing
Margaret Peckham
Assistant Art Director
Terry Benes
Assistant Director
Brenda Goodman
Assistant Director
Nicole A. Gordon
Executive Producer
Kyle McCarthy
Assistant Director
Eve Battaglia
Casting Assistant
Jo-ann Dumm
Makeup & Hair
Amy J. Kaufman
Co-Producer
Ronald Blumer
Writer
Susan Douglas
Wardrobe Supervisor
Mary Jane McCarty
Costume Designer
Judy Claman
Extras Casting
Robert Achs
Additional Photography
James McCalmont
Additional Photography
Michael Zande
Set Dresser
Jeanette Oleksa
Set Decoration