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" King of Prussia " is the name of a General Electric nuclear plant near Philadelphia, and in a way, the connotation of the militaristic regime that the name evokes, is not far from reality. In September 1980, eight Catholic pacifists, who became known as the Plowshare 8, entered the GE plant, damaged two nuclear missile nose-cones, then poured blood on weapons parts. Emile de Antonio had planned to film the following trial, but when the judge refused to give the necessary permission, he decided to stage a courtroom drama by condensing 1300 pages of trial transcripts into a 70-page film script.
The defendants play themselves, while actor Martin Sheen portrays the judge. Despite a shooting time of only two days (the eight couldn't take more days off before going to jail) In the King of Prussia is a moving and eloquent testament to a courageous direct action.
Originally shot on videotape, then transferred to 35mm stock. The resulting visuals are remarkable.