Watch Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport

Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport is a compelling documentary film that captures the real-life story of a group of ordinary citizens who rose up to protect a New Jersey wildlife habitat from destruction. The film, which was released in 2017, is directed by Scott Morris, and it features award-winning actress Blythe Danner as the narrator.

The movie takes us back to the early 1960s when the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced its plans to build a massive jetport on 10,000 acres of pristine wetlands in Morristown, New Jersey. The construction of the jetport was expected to have a catastrophic effect not only on the environment but also on the local communities due to the noise pollution and traffic that it would bring.

Through interviews with key figures, such as politicians, activists, historians, and local residents, the film gives us a detailed look at the resistance campaign that was launched against the jetport. Viewers get to learn how a group of concerned citizens banned together to form the Great Swamp Committee, which would become the driving force in the effort to defeat the jetport.

The film highlights how the group used various tactics, including town hall meetings, petitions, lobbying, and protests to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the swamp. We also see how they targeted key politicians, such as Governor Richard Hughes and Senator Harrison Williams, to turn the tide in their favor. The film does an excellent job of showcasing how this committed group of individuals wasn't afraid to take bold actions, such as staging a sit-in at the governor's office, to stop the construction.

One of the strengths of the movie is how it balances the personal stories of individuals with the broader political and sociological issues at play. For example, we hear from local residents who speak of their love for the swamp and their fear at the prospect of losing it. We also see how this issue brought together a diverse group of people, both young and old, from various socioeconomic backgrounds, including farmers, bankers, and retirees. The film puts faces to the community members who were fighting for their voice to be heard and to save their homes.

Another powerful aspect of the movie is the use of archival footage that provides a glimpse into the era and how it influenced the Great Swamp battle. The film features footage of marches, speeches, and press conferences. It also shows how the media covered this issue, with newspapers running headlines that capture the tension and public outcry against the proposed jetport.

The movie does an excellent job of weaving together these diverse elements to tell a cohesive story. It is engaging, informative, and emotionally resonant. It is also a timely reminder of the importance of the environmental protection movement in America. This is a must-watch movie not just for New Jersey residents, but for anyone who cares about preserving our natural habitats and the ability of people to fight against the corporate greed that threatens them.

In conclusion, Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport is a powerful documentary that captures the spirit of a grassroots movement that fought to protect a beloved natural habitat. It is a testament to the power of ordinary citizens to effect change and stop corporate interests from trampling on human rights and the environment. The movie is informative, engaging, and emotionally resonant. It is a must-watch for anyone concerned about environmental protection and the power of people to create change.

Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes.