The rescue of Dr. Beanes : Francis Scott Key and Star Spangled Banner

Teaching Film Custodians abridged classroom version of a Cavalcade of America television series episode, "The Rescue of Dr. Beanes" (season 3, episode 26), which first aired June 21, 1955 on ABC-TV. Francis Scott Key seeks out the British flagship on Chesapeake bay and argues successfully for the release of Dr. William Beanes, a civilian who had been taken prisoner following the burning of Washington (August 24, 1814). Obliged by Admiral Cochran to remain with the fleet until the British have attached Fort McHenry, Key's experience in witnessing from shipboard the American resistance to the bombardment inspires him to write the verses that have become our National Anthem.