Chicago 70
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Kerry Feltham
Mel Dixon
Jim Lawrence
Calvin Butler
Neil Walsh
George Metesky
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
This film is an exact representation of the off-Broadway play performed by the Toronto Workshop. The transcript of the "Chicago Seven" conspiracy trial stemming from demonstrations at the 1968 Democratic National Convention is juxtaposed with Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland , and the cast members take turns playing the various principals in the trial, including the defendants--Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, John Froines, Tom Hayden, David Dellinger, Lee Weiner, Rennie Davis and Bobby Seale; the attorneys--William Kunstler and Lenny Weinglass; several witnesses--Mark Lane, Arlo Guthrie, Mayor Richard Daley, Allen Ginsberg, Country Joe McDonald, and Linda Morse; and the presiding judge, Julius Hoffman. The actors improvise much of the action; however, the testimonies of Guthrie, Ginsberg, McDonald, and Abbie Hoffman are taken directly from the transcript. As occurred in the trial, Bobby Seale is bound and gagged by order of Judge Hoffman, thus leaving seven defendants. Throughout the proceedings, members of the cast ride bicycles and hop on pogo sticks in the courtroom.
Director
Kerry Feltham
Cast
Mel Dixon
Jim Lawrence
Calvin Butler
Neil Walsh
George Metesky
Peter Faulkner
Diane Grant
François Klanfer
Ray Whelan
Rick Mckenna
Carol Carrington
Crew
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
Filmed in Chicago. Also known as The Conspiracy Circus-Chicago '70.
