The Execution of Private Slovik is a nonfiction book by
William Bradford Huie, published in 1954
["The Execution of Private Slovik" by William Bradford Huie, ISBN 1594160031], and an
American made-for-television movie that aired on
NBC on
March 13,
1974. The film was written for the screen by
Richard Levinson,
William Link and by
Lamont Johnson who also served as
film director.
Plot
The book and the film tell the story of
Private Eddie Slovik, the only American soldier to be
executed for desertion since the
American Civil War. The film starred
Martin Sheen as Private Slovik for which he received an
Emmy Award nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Drama. Many critics and viewers consider this to be one of Sheen's finest performances, noting in particular the
firing squad execution scene when Slovik recites the
Roman Catholic prayer,
Hail Mary. This film was also the debut film of actor
Charlie Sheen.
