POV Season 23 Episode 14 The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers

The episode entitled "The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers," from the twenty-third season of POV, delves into the controversial and headline-grabbing story of Daniel Ellsberg, a former military analyst who leaked top-secret information on the Vietnam War to the press in 1971. During the Nixon administration, Ellsberg risked imprisonment, and potentially treason charges, to expose the government's lies and manipulation of the American public over U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

The documentary combines interviews with Ellsberg, White House officials, journalists, and anti-war activists, along with archival footage and reenactments, to give viewers a comprehensive picture of the unfolding events. By leaking thousands of pages of classified documents known as the Pentagon Papers, Ellsberg revealed the government's deception surrounding the Vietnam War and sparked a media firestorm that captivated the nation.

"The Most Dangerous Man in America" is a gripping account of Ellsberg, a man who was once a loyal government operative but became increasingly disillusioned with American policy over Vietnam. The documentary depicts Ellsberg's decision to smuggle out and disclose classified documents to expose the truth about a war he believed was unjust and immoral. The film explores the motives that drove Ellsberg to take such a drastic and risky action, as well as the torment he experienced in the months leading up to his release of the Pentagon Papers.

The episode examines the aftermath of the Pentagon Papers release, including the legal and political consequences faced by Ellsberg and others involved in the leak. The film also draws comparisons between Ellsberg's actions and those of present-day whistleblowers, highlighting the ongoing importance of government transparency and accountability. "The Most Dangerous Man in America" provides a fascinating and thought-provoking look into one of the most significant whistle-blowing events in American history.