Adapted by screenwriter Howard Fast from his own fact-based novel, this historical drama tells the story of one of the most unexpected triumphs of the American Revolutionary War. In December 1776, the armies of General George Washington (Jeff Daniels) are near the point of collapse; short on money and supplies, ravaged by disease, their numbers thinned by desertion, and freezing in summer uniforms in the midst of a brutal winter, it seems all but impossible that the Colonial Army can hold out much longer against the British Army and their allied German Hessian forces. With imminent defeat a clear possibility, Washington and his troops organize for an audacious surprise attack against the British soldiers on Christmas Day, hinging on the crossing of the freezing Delaware River in the middle of a storm. Co-starring Roger Rees, The Crossing was produced for broadcast by the Arts and Entertainment cable television network. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
This low-cost production is high on historical accuracy and overall quality. Credit its success mainly to Howard Fast's intelligent script, Jeff Daniels' realistic portrayal of Gen. George Washington, and the cinematographer's rousing action sequences. Because of its length, its faithfulness to history, and its fast-moving plot, the production is ideal for showing to history students. In the film, Daniels is almost exactly the same weight, height, and age as Washington at the Battle of Trenton. But what really makes his performance convincing is his textbook depiction of Washington as a steady, conscientious, and sometimes irascible leader who refuses to yield in the face of battlefield losses, dwindling supplies, and a force of just 2,400 ragtag volunteers under his command. Though appearing only briefly, Sebastian Roche also performs brilliantly. He portrays Col. John Glover, the salty New Englander who finances his own army unit, the Marblehead Fishermen, and secures the boats to ferry Washington and his troops across the Delaware River in a heavy snowstorm on Christmas night, 1776. Throughout the production, Fast's script incorporates historical facts that educate the viewer about how perilously close the colonial army was to losing the war, and how important Washington was to turning the tide. One major disappointment in the production is the filming locale -- Ontario and Alberta, Canada, rather than eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. The scenery may look authentic, but just knowing that it isn't spoils the sense of realism the film achieves in other ways. Nevertheless, The Crossing is a good film, fully deserving its Peabody Award, its American Society of Cinematographers' Award, and its Emmy nomination. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
This drama is about George Washington crossing the Delaware River and the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War. The film opens with the retreat of the Continental Army across New Jersey after repeated catastrophic defeats during the campaign of 1776. After the army narrowly escapes across the river to the Pennsylvania shore, Washington, realizing that something must be done or the Revolution will collapse, conceives a plan to cross the river and conduct a surprise attack on the Hessian garrison at Trenton. Despite their own fatigue and the winter weather, the army crosses the river, attacks Trenton on December 26, 1776, and gains a stunning victory, capturing many Hessians to their own advantage.
Historical errors
Hamilton appears as an officer on Washington's staff, when he would not actually join Washington's staff until some time later.
Hamilton and another soldier are shown storming a German guardhouse and killing the Hessians inside to prevent them from raising the alarm. No such incident took place.
In the film, Horatio Gates confronts Washington with a long, defeatist rant, after which Washington has him thrown out of the camp. In reality, Gates left camp on his own to report to Congress in Philadelphia.
The film shows snow falling in some scenes where the soldiers are marching, but the ground is bare and the Delaware River is clear. In real life, the Delaware was full of floating chunks of ice and the crossing and attack took place in a snowstorm.
At the end of the film, Mercer tells Washington that no Continental soldiers were killed and none were wounded. It is true that no rebel soldiers were killed in the battle, but four were wounded, including two private soldiers and two officers: Washington's cousin William Washington, and future President James Monroe. Also, five soldiers died of exposure to the cold while crossing the Delaware River.
The movie showed Colonel Rall being shot, and then surrendering immediately thereafter. In actuality, He wasn't shot, he was killed by the shards of a broken cannonball after it blew up. And, the Hessians didn't surrneder immediately afterwards, the surrendered a little bit later. Also, Colonel Rall didn't die during the battle, he died after.
The movie showed John Glover as the person in charge of the river crossing, when it was actually General Knox that was in charge of the crossing. Knox had much more influence and responsibility than the movie included. Glover, was, however, in command of the actual ferrying across the river. [2]
Missing Details
The movie neglected to show in detail the extreme difficulty the colonists experienced in their march to Trenton after crossing the river. The movie showed brief challenges, such as a cannon stuck in the mud, but the actual march included miles of rough terrain including ravines which required extensive maneuvering to cross with their artillery and weapons.
The movie suggested that Washington retreated back across the river merely as a strategical measure, neglecting the detail that Washington's men had found barrels of rum in the town, and had become intoxicated after celebration of their victory. Seeing the state of his army, Washington chose to retreat back across the river instead of pursuing further victories east of the Delaware River.
The movie failed to include two additional regiments that Washington had intended to cross the river at separate points further south. These regiments were unable to cross the treacherous waters, and were thus unable to help in the attack on Trenton. The movie only showed Washington's regiment which made it across successfully, and marched to attack Trenton.
