American Justice: The Rosenbergs

Plot

Julius Rosenberg and Ethel Rosenberg became the focal point for a widespread national espionage investigation in 1950. A line of betrayal beginning at Los Alamos led officials from a British scientist working on the atomic bomb to a member of the Manhattan Project to a Jewish couple that lived and worked in New York. The final discovery of the Rosenbergs, who were both Communists, became the last stop. Put on trial for conspiracy, Julius and Ethel quickly gained international prominence for their part in passing secrets to the Soviets. In truth, they were victims of the McCarthy era denoted by an explosive political realm and overly aggressive prosecution. Fingered by none other than her brother, David, Ethel bore the brunt of the media frenzy. She was portrayed as the mastermind of the Rosenberg ring even though she was often ill and the mother of two children. When all the witnesses and accusations were aired, the Rosenbergs were found guilty and sentenced to die in the electric chair. Despite worldwide protests, those executions were carried out in the summer of 1953. Through interviews with the Rosenbergs' son and attorneys on both sides, A&E examines the reasons behind the severe punishments and asks if the same results would play today. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi

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