I always wanted to see that movie as I read the book but I heard the movie is completely different. The book was unreal, it was more of a book on history.
It talked about the New York city draft riots in which they actually lynched cops, lynched blacks, stabbed the police superintendant 70 times - and he lived - killed horses and burned down an orphanage for black kids which is where the NY Public library now stands.
Back in the bad old days, I understand grape shot was very effective.
The Movie stands on its own, it is a classic.