February 16, 1971: Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland form "FTA" (F*** The Army), an anti-war, anti-American road show that tours near Army bases in order to undermine troop morale. Skits and songs portray American defeats, soldiers refusing to fight, and the murder of officers by their troops. FTA cast members mingle with soldiers after the shows, encouraging them to desert or to sabotage the Army.
http://www.wintersoldier.com/index.php?topic=Timeline
1971 FTA trailer (3 min youtube video): Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HlkgPCgU7g
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2009!!! FONDA STILL AT IT!! (in New York City, February, 2009)
From her website...
Rare Screening of Restored Archival Print of Classic Vietnam War-Era Documentary
What: Screening of FTA
When: Monday, February 2, 2009
7:00pm, 9:15pm
Where: IFC Center (map)
323 Sixth Avenue
New York, NY, US 10014
With Former FTA Cast Member Jane Fonda in Person
Monday, February 2 at 7:00pm and 9:15pm
7:00pm show sold out!
FTA (1972, Francine Parker), the Vietnam War-era documentary, will have an ultra-rare screening in a restored archival print with former FTA cast member Jane Fonda in person, Monday, February 2 at 7:00pm and 9:15pm; the 7:00pm show is sold out. Following the screening, Ms. Fonda will talk about the film and her work in the controversial antiwar touring show in a discussion moderated by David Zeiger, director of the recent documentary Sir! No Sir! A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit Iraq Veterans against the War, a nonprofit organization that advocates for ending the war and for providing support to returning service members.
Virtually unseen in any format since a brief theatrical run in 1972, FTA documents "the show the Pentagon couldn't stop." The revue, whose letters were said to stand both for Free Theater Associates and also Free (or, at times, another F-word) The Army, brought antiwar entertainment to military personnel at the height of Vietnam. Performers like Ms. Fonda, Donald Sutherland and Holly Near toured towns near military bases around the US and overseas, lending their support to troops who opposed the war. The film follows the troupe as it travels and performs near US military bases on the Pacific Rim -- Hawaii, Okinawa, the Philippines -- encouraging opposition to the war among the rank-and-file of US forces.
FTA is a gritty mix of rollicking performances and GI interviews, juxtaposing lighthearted political satire with the somber realities of war, occupation, and the absurdities of military life, a barbed rebuke to the staid USO program. From Okinawa to the Philippines, stirred by the show's provocative message, the members of the U.S. military find courage to speak out candidly in front of the camera.
Fonda and Sutherland are joined on stage by an all-star cast of musicians and activists including folk musician Len Chandler and comedian Paul Mooney. A fresh look at the Vietnam anti-war movement through the songs and skits that shook a generation, this film will leave you singing along with the fired-up men and women of the military. Foxtrot, Tango, Alpha... F*** the Army!
Print courtesy of the Academy Film Archive.
Tickets: $12 IFC Center members, $15 general admission.