More Great Documentary Filmmaking
By Another neglected masterpiece of American cinema deals with a second landmark case that has returned to the center of constitutional discussion:
Alas, the high production values cannot hide the fact that the film simply does not meet contemporary Tea Party standards of accuracy; among other things, Michele Bachmann’s point that John Calhoun and William Day were founding fathers and Alexander Hamilton was not has been neglected. Obviously, we need a Pajamas TV remake that will present a more “originalist” version. I’ll script the climactic scene:
GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND (Trace Adkins) and CHIEF JUSTICE MARSHALL (Kelsey Grammer) approach JAMES McCULLOCH (played by the creepiest looking actor not currently playing a D.A. in a David Kelley series.)
MARSHALL: “It is necessary and proper…for subordinate federal officials to kiss the sovereign state of Maryland’s ass. [Cocks rifle.] Consider your federal charter revoked!”
McCULLOCH: “Dammit Marshall!”
GOVERNOR: “You fail to understand that were your suit to succeed, we may face the worst tyranny ever known to mankind: federal regulation of the health insurance market!”
McCULLOCH: [Turns white] “Well, perhaps we must lose the battle to win the war.”
MARSHALL: “Most excellent! [Pats governor on back.] Remember, should a similar situation in the future, state officials should feel free to block the enforcement of federal law on their whim.”
THE END. Closing credits, Ray Stevens [feat. Victoria Jackson], “States’ Rights Are Right!”