A traditional historical documentary on the life and accomplishments of Joseph Smith. It is told from a faithful perspective yet aspires to historical objectivity.
From PBS: Millions of people around the world know of him. Yet this frontier prophet of the early 1800s found little honor and eventual martyrdom at the hands of an angry mob in his own country. Who was this Joseph Smith and what was it about his remarkable life story, which inspired such impassioned rancor or unflinching reverence? Please join Academy Award-winner Gregory Peck for a fascinating look at this oft-misunderstood American legend.
Visit Smith's birthplace in Vermont. Travel the dirt roads he fled down to escape persecution. Sit in the dark cell at Liberty Jail where he prayed. Feel the explosion of gunfire at his martyrdom. Joseph Smith's death, however, did not halt the work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the fastest-growing religions in the world today, with more than ten million members. A landmark television documentary, American Prophet was written by Heidi S. Swinton, the author of the companion book by the same title.
First Place - Worldfest Houston International Film Festival; First Place (Silver) - Telly Award; First Place - Aurora Awards Independent Film and Television Competition; Gold Camera - U.S. International Film and Video Festival; Best Film Score - Pearl Awards
Produced in conjunction with Vermont Public Television. Aired nationally on PBS.