Four Chaplains

Studio: Vision Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
In 1943, four young Army chaplains joined 900 raw recruits who were headed for battle in Nazi-occupied Europe on the U.S.A.T. Dorchester. During the voyage, a torpedo from a German submarine ripped through the hull of the ship which began to descend rapidly into the freezing waters of the North Atlantic. In the frantic scramble for lifeboats, four chaplains on boarda Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi, and two Protestant ministersdirected many soldiers to safety. When the life vest supply ran out, they selflessly removed their own and gave them to the soldiers, knowing they could not possibly survive without the flotation devices. They spent their last moments singing hymns and praying, arm-in-arm, as the ship disappeared beneath the waves.

This documentary recounts the remarkable story of their faith and courage through dramatic military footage, recreations, and personal interviews with survivors and family members.

Description

In 1943, four young Army chaplains joined 900 raw recruits who were headed for battle in Nazi-occupied Europe on the U.S.A.T. Dorchester. During the voyage, a torpedo from a German submarine ripped through the hull of the ship which began to descend rapidly into the freezing waters of the North Atlantic. In the frantic scramble for lifeboats, four chaplains on board—a Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi, and two Protestant ministers—directed many soldiers to safety. When the life vest supply ran out, they selflessly removed their own and gave them to the soldiers, knowing they could not possibly survive without the flotation devices. They spent their last moments singing hymns and praying, arm-in-arm, as the ship disappeared beneath the waves.

This documentary recounts the remarkable story of their faith and courage through dramatic military footage, recreations, and personal interviews with survivors and family members.

DVD includes 45-minute broadcast version as well as 54-minute extended version. A study guide in pdf format is included on the DVD.

Customer Reviews:

Four Men of Faith.......2005-07-09

I most admit my prejudice. I'm a "Friend of the Four Chaplains." This is a documentary that sounds like a Hollywood movie from WW2. James Moll, producer and director, gives us a sensitive and inspiring history of the sinking of the USAT Dorchester of February 3, 1943 and the heroic story of the "Four chaplains." This is a religious and secular story rolled into one. This is not about muscle bound Ubermensch that fires some super automatic weapon that kills hundreds of the enemies. This is about four decent men. The kind of men that you would want as your neighbor or over to your barbecue. Well read, compassionate men they symbolize us.

On the night of February 3, 1943, convoy SG 19,going to Greenland, was attack by U-boat U223. The USAT Dorchester was mortally wounded. It sank between 18 and 23 minutes. From the hot hull to the freezing air of the north Atlantic, Most of the men rush to the deck, in various stage of stage of dress. Most came to the deck without their life preserver. The four chaplains: Rabbi Alexander Goode; Rev. George L. Fox; Rev Clark V. Poling and Father John P. Washington , found the locker where there were vests. They distribute them till they ran out. According to the witnesses, without a sound, the four chaplains took off their vest and past them to the first four mem in line. After that they help men to the life boats and gave encouragements to all. Then, they stood by the railing, lock their hands together and sung songs of praise. This is what the survivors saw as the Dorchester took one last turn and want under with the four chaplains. On May 28th, 1948, The United State Post Office issues a stamp commemorating their act.

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