The MOVEMENT and the “MADMAN” shows how two antiwar protests  in the fall of 1969 — the largest the country had ever seen — pressured President Nixon to cancel what he called his “madman” plans for a massive escalation of the U.S. war in Vietnam, including threats to use nuclear weapons.

At the time, protestors had no idea what they had prevented and how many lives they had saved.

Our film is a deeply researched project told by a variety of voices providing multiple perspectives. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews with antiwar movement organizers, members of Congress, historians, and Nixon administration officials, including three men who worked directly with Kissinger on Nixon’s “madman” plans.

It’s an inspiring story with lessons for today.
Press coverage and reviews.

Watch the Film

The MOVEMENT and the “MADMAN” premiered on PBS as a special presentation of the American Experience series on March 28, 2023. PBS has since rebroadcast the film many times.

Here’s how you can view or own the film now:

• Watch free on PBS.org

• Amazon Prime Video, purchase for personal use ($2.99)

• American Experience website, free with PBS Passport

• Kanopy, free with public library or college login

For college and university licensing:

• Films Media Group

• Alexander Street

• Kanopy

Watch Chapter 1 free on YouTube

"Engaging, well-made ... resonates in our own time."

– THE PROGRESSIVE

Film Screenings

Organize your own public event with our film. A variety of groups, colleges, libraries and festivals have booked a screening, often with followup discussions.
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