Watch The Killing of Mary Surratt

The Killing of Mary Surratt is a 2009 historical drama film written and directed by James D. Solomon. It stars Mary Beth Barber, Robert Anthony Peters, and Eric Wheeler in the lead roles. The movie is based on the true story of Mary Surratt, a boarding house owner who was convicted and hanged for conspiring to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln.

The story is set in 1865 during the aftermath of the Civil War. Mary Surratt (played by Barber) is a single mother who runs a boarding house in Washington D.C. Her son John, a Confederate sympathizer, is a fugitive and is believed to be involved in the assassination of President Lincoln. As the investigation unfolds, Mary becomes a prime suspect and is arrested along with several other co-conspirators.

The film delves into the controversial trial and subsequent conviction of Mary Surratt, who is portrayed as a victim of circumstances. She is shown as an innocent woman who had no knowledge of her son's involvement in the assassination plot. The courtroom drama is intense as the defense tries to prove her innocence, while the prosecution presents a strong case against her.

The film also explores the political climate of the time, with tensions between the North and South still high. The issue of whether Mary Surratt was given a fair trial is questioned, with many arguing that she was a scapegoat, used as an example to appease the public outcry for justice.

The performances in the movie are strong, with Mary Beth Barber delivering a gripping portrayal of Mary Surratt. She conveys the character's fear, vulnerability, and determination in equal measure, making her a sympathetic figure. Robert Anthony Peters as John Surratt and Eric Wheeler as Frederick Aiken, Mary's reluctant lawyer, also put in solid performances.

The Killing of Mary Surratt is a well-made film that provides an insight into an important period in American history. It raises important questions about justice and due process, and the role of women in society at the time. The film's production design and costumes accurately capture the look and feel of the 1860s, adding to the authenticity of the story.

Overall, The Killing of Mary Surratt is an engrossing historical drama that will appeal to fans of the genre. It is a well-acted, well-directed film that sheds light on an important piece of American history that may not be well-known to many viewers.

The Killing of Mary Surratt is a 2009 short with a runtime of 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.