The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers

2009 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE — Best Documentary Feature

In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg, a high-level Pentagon official and Vietnam War strategist, concludes that the war is based on decades of lies. Armed only with his conscience, steadfast determination and a file cabinet full of classified documents, he leaks a top-secret Pentagon study to The New York Times, making headlines around the world.

Hailed as a hero, vilified as a traitor, and ostracized by even his closest colleagues, Ellsberg risks life in prison to stop a war he helped plan. This political thriller is a riveting story of how one man’s profound change of heart led directly to Watergate, Nixon’s resignation and the end of the Vietnam War.

CRITICS RAVE

96% Rating on Rotten Tomatoes

“Compelling… (a) gripping mix of politics, history and the derring-do of one of the era’s most audacious capers…deservedly Oscar nominated.” –The Washington Post

“Riveting! A straight-ahead, enthralling story of moral courage. This story changed the world. CRITICS’ PICK!” –New York Magazine

“The gripping story of how hawk-turned-dove Ellsberg’s explosive actions circuitously led to the impeachment of Richard Nixon and, in turn, an end to the Vietnam War.” –Los Angeles Times

“Plays like a solid suspense thriller…Meaty, dramatic stuff – see this movie with your teenagers and watch their jaws hit the floor.” –Boston Globe

FILM NEWS & UPDATES

The Pentagon Papers Revisited by Co-Director Rick Goldsmith — Documentary Magazine

Snowden Credits “Most Dangerous Man” Film With Inspiring Him

Spielberg’s “The Post” Film Begins With Ellsbe rg’s Story

More press here!

FILMMAKER COMMENTS

“Both Judith and I had done films about people of conscience who stood up for their beliefs and dared challenge the status quo,” says Goldsmith. “And we both felt the story of Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers might have something important to say to audiences today, especially anyone under 50, who wouldn’t personally remember or even know about these events.”

“I think we, among some other filmmakers, felt that it was amazing no one had made this story,” adds Ehrlich. “It seemed like such a natural political thriller, without having to concoct anything —here was someone who had made this act of conscience that ended up bringing down a president. And we thought — those of us who lived through those times — that we knew this story, but the more we learned about it, the more we thought, ‘What a great lesson about standing up for what’s right.’”

The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers is a production of Kovno Communications and Insight Productions.