PBS Premieres 'The War of 1812' Monday

The PBS documentary, The War of 1812, by Emmy-winning director Lawrence Hott, premieres Monday night at 9 p.m. on PBS. The film comes just before the 200th anniversary commemorations of the war begin next year.

The film received a sneak preview last month at the Landmark Theatres' Harbor East Cinema, filling three screens at the downtown theater. More than a dozen War of 1812 reenactors in period costumes portrayed American militiamen or wore the bright red coats of the British Royal Marines.  

Gov. Martin O’Malley addressed the enthusiastic crowd before the screening —an abbreviated one-hour version of two-hour The War of 1812 that will air nationwide tonight on PBS.

 A production of WNED-TV, Buffalo/Toronto, and narrated by actor Joe Mantegna, the documentary highlights the importance of The Battle of Baltimore and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner at the bombardment of Fort McHenry.

In addition to the preview of The War of 1812, the premiere crowd was also treated to a preview of Maryland Public Television's documentary, "Anthem," which focuses on the music of the War of 1812.

At the premiere, Hott said he found it difficult deciding what he would include about Baltimore’s role in the war. “Baltimore and Maryland deserve a two-hour film of their own," he said.

The documentary focused on Fort McHenry’s role during the Battle of Baltimore, but Dundalk and Edgemere were also critical in the defense of the city.

The British Army landed at North Point in what is now Fort Howard and a was fought on Old North Point Road. The battle, of course, is commemorated in Dundalk by the Battle Acre Memorial, the Aquila Randall Memorial and in Bread and Cheese Creek, which got its name when the British army stopped there to have lunch.

Many more events are planned in and around Dundalk, as well as throughout the state to commemorate the upcoming anniversary of the War of 1812. For more information see the web sites of The Maryland War of 1812 Commission and Star-Spangled 200.  

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