Selma

    In 1860 the threat of civil war hovers over Selma. Citizens are bitterly divided, unionists against secessionists. Fire-eating orators such as the brilliant William Lowndes Yancey keep the secessionists in a white heat. Selma lawyers Tate McLester and his son, Sam, who advocate staying in the Union, are outraged when the Alabama Secession Convention votes to secede. Like most of his peers, Sam volunteers to serve in a Selma infantry company. He fights in Virginia for three years and attains the rank of Major. In 1864, he is wounded and loses an arm by amputation.

    In the spring of 1865 the Confederacy suffers a series of disastrous defeats. A Union army moves to destroy Selma’s arsenals, defended by General Nathan B. Forrest’s limited forces. Major Sam McLester coordinates the small Selma militia. On April 2, 1865 Union forces overwhelm and occupy the town. The next day thousands of ex-slaves, tasting freedom for the first time, crowd every road into Selma.

    A viciously-beaten slave named Burt is jailed for killing his master. Tate and Sam undertake the legal defense of Burt. Sam makes an inspired defense before the Alabama Supreme Court, contending that the new post-war Alabama constitution has revoked the slave code against murder. As a vanquished state struggles to find direction, Burt, Tate and Sam are ready to build a new Selma, where hope is born of tragedy.