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The Trial of the Chicago 7: The Official Transcript

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The Trial of the Chicago 7: The Official Transcript

By: Mark L. Levine - editor, George C. McNamee - editor, Daniel Greenberg - editor, Aaron Sorkin - introduction
Narrated by: J. K. Simmons, Jeff Daniels, Chris Jackson, John Hawkes, Chris Chalk, Luke Kirby, Corey Stoll, Norbert Leo Butz, George Newbern, full cast
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About this listen

 Republished fifty years later to coincide with the release of the Academy Award–nominated film of the same title written and directed by Aaron Sorkin with an all-star cast, this is the classic account of perhaps the most infamous, and definitely the most entertaining, trial in recent American history.

In the fall of 1969 eight prominent anti-Vietnam War activists were put on trial for conspiring to riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. One of the eight, Black Panther cofounder Bobby Seale, was literally bound and gagged in court by order of the judge, Julius Hoffman, and his case was separated from that of the others.

The activists, who included Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, and Tom Hayden, and their attorneys, William Kunstler and Leonard Weinglass, insisted that the First Amendment was on trial. Their witnesses were a virtual who’s who of the 1960s counterculture: Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary, Arlo Guthrie, Judy Collins, Norman Mailer, among them.

The defendants constantly interrupted to protest what they felt were unfair rulings by the judge. The trial became a circus, all the while receiving intense media coverage. The convictions that resulted were subsequently overturned on appeal, but the trial remained a political and cultural touchstone, a mirror of the deep divisions in the country. The Trial of the Chicago 7 consists of the highlights from trial testimony with a brief epilogue describing what later happened to the principal figures. Americas Freedom & Security Politics & Government Social Sciences United States Superhero Chicago

Critic reviews

"J.K. Simmons anchors this dramatization of the full transcript of the trial of the Chicago Seven, protesters at the 1968 Democratic Convention who were prosecuted by the federal government. Simmons does the heavy lifting as the obtuse and obstructionist judge who oversees the proceedings. The combative and willful ignorance of the judge comes through in Simmons's gruff delivery. The production values of this audiobook are stellar. There are full sound effects. When characters speak simultaneously, listeners are able to discern each voice. This dramatic work is a perfect way for listeners to experience this important historical document, as they will be able to hear the tone and intentions of those involved, as opposed to merely reading a dense court transcript."
All stars
Most relevant
A great experience, unique in terms of quality of performance by an all-star cast. Not terribly easy to follow due to (what I feel is) some very severe and disjointed editing (the cast must have been paid by the minute!), but each short section on its own is fascinating enough to justify a careful listen. Really appreciated the final section informing us what everyone did next. Will listen again sometime.

Would recommend

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Inspired the movie, but goes more in depth, leaves you wondering how the case continued, be prepared to be shocked at how bad it gets

Narration has top level of performance, highly recommend

Great listen

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loved it! if you watched the netflix movie and want more context go for it!

Great transcript and great performance

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Little hard to follow at the start, but once you understand the unique style & writing it's an amazing listen, just amazing.
So funny in place's, i laughed out liud, & truly excellent performance's by all.
i've seen the film, but this seemed to give me a different perspective. such injustice.
Highly recommended listen & maybe follow up researching

injustice

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