FTA on DVD

Posted: February 6th, 2009.

JANE FONDA and DONALD SUTHERLAND Star in the Newly Unearthed, Controversial Documentary That Was ‘Disappeared’ 37 Years Ago

The third in Stoney Road Films’ releases revealing the hidden history of the Vietnam War, FTA follows Hollywood superstars Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland on the tour of their anti-war revue called FTA or Free The Army (or, more popularly, F*** The Army) performing to dissident American soldiers, sailors and airmen stationed around the Pacific Rim. It captures a fascinating slice of the Vietnam anti-war movement, showing the extent of dissent in the armed forces and just how the actress earned herself the title Hanoi Jane from US politicians and media.

The film first hit the big screen in July 1972 but was removed from all cinemas after only one week and all prints disappeared. More recently, a 16mm negative was discovered and a new print was premiered at the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival last year. Now, after 37 years of silence, FTA is available on DVD in the UK and Ireland from early March shortly after the US release.

Highly subversive, with messages aimed at the disaffected at home in the USA including blacks (this is Black Panther time), students and women and with the box office appeal of its stars fresh from Oscar success with “Klute”, one can see why the authorities, under a paranoid Nixon, took steps to remove the film from cinemas.

“Viewing FTA today is like opening a long-forgotten time capsule. The film’s true power comes in the frank, often rude comments from the servicemen and women who openly question the purpose and planning of the American involvement in Vietnam.” – Phil Hall, Film Threat

FTA is an entertaining mix of rollicking performances and GI interviews, juxtaposing light-hearted but pointed political satire with the sombre realities of war and the absurdities of military life, which also touches on the protests of local civilians against US occupation (Okinawa) and low wages paid on US bases. From Okinawa to the Philippines, stirred by the show’s provocative message, US troops find the courage to speak out candidly in front of the camera.

Fonda and Sutherland are joined on stage by an all-star cast of musicians and activists including folk musician Len Chandler, singer Rita Martinson, and comedian Paul Mooney. A fresh look at the Vietnam anti-war movement through songs and skits, the film will leave viewers singing along with the fired-up men and women of the military. Foxtrot, Tango, Alpha… F*** The Army!

DVD Extras will include a recent Interview with Jane Fonda.

The DVD is out on March 2nd, it runs for 97 mins and retails for £14.99 on DVD.