Watch Johnstown Flood

Johnstown Flood is a television movie that depicts the horrific events of the 1889 flood that occurred in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The movie premiered on CBS on March 10, 1989, and stars Richard Dreyfuss, Patrick Jordan, and Jeffrey DeMunn. The film was directed by Mark Sobel, who used primary sources and firsthand accounts to accurately depict the tragedy.

The story revolves around the members of the affluent South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, who own a dam that was responsible for the catastrophic flood. The movie shows how the club's negligence and disregard for the dam's maintenance led to the disaster that claimed over 2,000 lives.

The lead character of the movie is Daniel Morrell (Richard Dreyfuss), a successful businessman who is a member of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. Morrell is very proud of the dam and believes it will last forever. However, after heavy rainfall, the dam starts to show signs of wear and tear, and the cracks begin to widen. Morrell is warned of the impending disaster by the town's residents, who fear that the dam will break and flood the town.

The movie also introduces the viewer to the locals - workers, children, and families - who live in Johnstown. One of the major characters in the movie is Patrick Jordan (Jeffrey DeMunn), a steel mill worker who lives with his family in the small town. The viewers see his life unfold before and after the flood, and how his family and the town of Johnstown were devastated by the disaster.

The film moves at a fast pace, with the perfect balance of storytelling, historical accuracy, and cinematic excellence. The special effects used to depict the flood and its aftermath are outstanding, and the director has done an incredible job of capturing the emotions of the people affected by the disaster.

The film also explores the aftermath of the flood, with the focus shifting to the rescue efforts and the rebuilding of the town. The viewers see the resilience and spirit of the townspeople, who pull together to rebuild their homes and their community. The movie portrays the town's people's determination to overcome a disaster that almost wiped out their town, and how they come back stronger than ever.

Richard Dreyfuss and Jeffrey DeMunn deliver stellar performances, bringing the characters to life with their nuanced acting. They capture the fear, terror, and the sense of loss that the real-life people affected by the flood must have experienced.

In conclusion, Johnstown Flood is a brilliant television movie that captures the spirit and resilience of the people affected by the tragedy. The film is a visual spectacle, with outstanding performances from the cast, excellent direction, and a well-written screenplay. The movie is a testament to the strength and courage of the human spirit, and it will leave the viewers with a renewed sense of hope and admiration for the people of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Johnstown Flood is a 1992 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes.