Directed by James Nielson Country of origin United States | Theme music composer Buddy Baker Original language(s) English | |
Written by Ronald Alexander
James A. Rhodes
Dean Jauchius Starring Kevin Corcoran
Brian Keith
Darryl Hickman
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Johnny Shiloh is a 1963 television film that originally aired as two episodes of The Wonderful World of Disney based on the life of John Clem, who was called "Johnny Shiloh"
Contents
Plot
When the Blue Raiders are called into Union service at the start of the American Civil War, their mascot drummer boy, John Clem defies his father’s wishes and smuggles himself on the train carrying the troops to camp. In spite of efforts by the troops to force him to give up and go home, Johnny refuses and tries to tough it out. He gets photographed by Mathew Brady. His father comes to get him, but Johnny runs away and returns to the regiment. He finally wears down Capt. McPherson, who agrees to let him join the regiment officially. At the Battle of Shiloh, Johnny and General George Henry Thomas rally the retreating Federal forces, but his friend Jeremiah Sullivan is killed. At the Battle of Chickamauga, Johnny wounds a Confederate Colonel who was attacking his friend Gabe Trotter. After the battle, General Ulysses S. Grant promotes Gabe to a lieutenant and Johnny is promoted to sergeant. Johnny and Gabe deliver an important message to General James B. Steedman, but on the way back to Thomas’s headquarters, Gabe is wounded and Johnny is captured. Even though questioned by General Joseph Wheeler he refuses to talk. He makes a daring escape and returns to the union lines.