America: A Call to Greatness

America: A Call to Greatness is a 1995 docudrama feature from Paige-Brace Cinema, chronicling United States history from its inception through the 20th century. It stars Charlton Heston, Mickey Rooney, Deborah Winters, Peter Graves, Jane Russell, and Rita Moreno, among others and was written, directed and produced by Warren Chaney. Actors portray historical figures in American history, using dialogue mirroring words spoken or written by them.

The two-hour movie incorporates music-video like production numbers centered on specific American themes. It employs such musicians as Lee Greenwood, Phil Driscoll, Greg X. Volz, The Imperials, Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patty and others. Gene Autry, former western actor, businessman, film and recording star also appeared in what was to be his final screen performance. Commentaries from known businessmen, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, and three former U.S. Presidents are interspersed throughout the picture. The production was filmed at the Disney-MGM Studios, Paige-Brace Studios and on location throughout the United States. It was shot on an estimated budget of $4.5 million.

Synopsis

Opening remarks by Charlton Heston and Mickey Rooney are used to establish the film’s direction and mood. Introductory scenes quickly dissolve into one laced with sounds of thunder and artillery fire. The setting is atop Niagara Falls where waters cascade over the falls’ edge. Superimposed in the haze are dissolving scenes of American conflicts from the American Revolutionary War through Desert Storm.

Actors