Member Ron Blumer is the script writer for the film and member Tom Fleming is the author of the book that shares the title. Also on hand was Ron's wife, Muffie Meyer, who produced the film.
Members had a chance to buy autographed discounted copies of the book, which has over 200 full color illustrations plus a powerful narrative that takes our favorite story from the coronation of George III to the inauguration of George Washington. In a talk that featured slides of vivid paintings of George III and other leading figures, Tom Fleming said the goal was nothing less than the ``restoration of the Revolution to the nation's consciousness.'' He added that he and Ron Blumer had operated independently to create the book and film. the result resembled jazz, with different riffs off the same basic theme. Book and film complement rather than replicate each other.
Ron Blumer next showed us 23 minutes of the film -- the section on the war in the South and its climax at Yorktown. The Round Tablers were the first people in the country to see it, except for a few TV critics who are writing advance reviews. Ron said he was nervous about the RT's reaction -- we were the toughest audience he could possible imagine. His worries were superfluous. Applause and cheers summed up the prevailing reaction.
At the close of this extraordinary evening, Chairman Dave Jacobs presented plaques saluting their accomplishments to Tom and Ron and Muffie Meyer. Also on hand to receive a plaque were Brennon Jones and Amy Janello of Jones and Janello, who designed and illustrated the book. Brennon Jones paid tribute to Tom Fleming as an invaluable collaborator in this six months long process. A final plaque was given to Catherine Allan, Executive Producer of Station KTCA of St. Paul, Minn., the sponsors of Liberty! She was unable to attend the dinner, but expressed her gratitude through Muffie Meyer, who accepted the plaque for her.