Backdrop image for movie An Empire of Reason

An Empire of Reason (1988)

Docudrama about the debate surrounding New York State's ratification of the United States Constitution. Historical figures wear modern dress and use familiar language to help today's audience understand firsthand the forces that shaped this country two hundred years ago. The argument, characters, passions and debating points are historically accurate, but the language and the medium of the debate is modern in form. Present day newscasters and commentators play themselves, reporting on the events of the 1780s as though they were occurring now.

Documentary
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Top billed cast

Cokie RobertsSelf - Host
William F. Buckley Jr.Self
Walter CronkiteSelf
John ChancellorSelf
Phil DonahueSelf
Robert MacNeilSelf
Andrea MitchellSelf
Al RokerSelf
Forrest SawyerSelf
Jamey SheridanDaniel Shays

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