Man and the State: Burke and Paine on Revolution (1973)

The third of six films in Bernard Wilets's Man and the State series. Bernard Wilets directed and wrote a number of outstanding dramas based on historical political figures in his 'Man and the State series, and this is perhaps our favorite, not only for the exceptional acting and writing, but also for the terrific surprise ending. Monarchist Edmund Burke, one of England's most articulate conservatives of the 18th century, and pamphleteer Thomas Paine, a leading radical and revolutionary of the American Colonies, here attend an imaginary dinner party at the home of playwright Richard Sheridan. In the middle of the dinner, the servants take over the house, and upon the threat of death, these friendly adversaries are forced to defend their philosophies. Publisher: Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corp., Chicago, ©1982 Distributor: BFA Series: Man and the State Series, film 3 of 6 For more on Bernard Wilets, visit http://www.afana.org/wilets.htm