I had never heard of the story of William Morgan before I saw this episode of "American Experience"--probably since he was executed several years before I was born. The story begins with the execution and then works backward to William Morgan's youth and a life filled with failures. As a teen, he ran away to join the circus. When in the military, he went AWOL and then compounded the crime by beating up a jailer and escaping. Following a stint in prison for this as well as his dishonorable discharge, Morgan bounced from job to job--some work for the mob as well as more time with the circus. With such a pathetic record, then, it's fascinating how he then went to national hero when he left the US to help in the Cuban Revolution in 1958. How he was able to fall from hero to condemned man is something you'll have to see in the film for yourself.
Overall, a really fascinating portrait of a man who was both honorable and brave...as well as a complete jerk!! This isn't really meant as an insult--just showing the extremes, the complete dichotomy that was Morgan's brief life. Well crafted and never dull!
Overall, a really fascinating portrait of a man who was both honorable and brave...as well as a complete jerk!! This isn't really meant as an insult--just showing the extremes, the complete dichotomy that was Morgan's brief life. Well crafted and never dull!
