About the CIRCLE movie

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family photos Why this project?
The CIRCLE project aims to specifically honor the men and women who fought during the Vietnam War. Because of that war's massive unpopularity, many returning soldiers were treated with contempt and disdain. Unfortunately, soldiers returning from Iraq are experiencing similar reactions. It is our hope that through this project, soldiers and their families may feel welcomed home, and for those who need it, perhaps the healing process can begin.

The Storyline.
In 1972, James Good was one of the last American soldiers captured in Vietnam. He has been kept on a farm somewhere in Southeast Asia for twenty years. Late one afternoon he hears the unmistakable drone of a small plane’s engine. This is the day of which he has dreamed. He escapes the tiger cage and struggles through the jungle and streams chasing the sound of the engine. Finally, he and the spotter pilot see each other and the pilot leads James to a clearing where he is picked up and taken to safety.

As in his dreams, James finds himself walking down a street in his hometown where he locates the father of a fallen comrade to return a personal item belonging to the man’s son.

Later, James reaches his own home to find that his brother Billy is the only one there to greet him. He learns that his wife has married Billy to maintain the family business, and that they have been raising the son he never knew he had. When James meets his son, Chester, the past runs headlong into the fan blades of the present. Chester has resented not knowing his father, or what really happened to him.

James’ journey is a story about the human reluctance to give up and its capacity for survival at all costs. James’ lessons are our own: …that anything is possible if we refuse to quit ……if we persevere ………if we refuse to forget …………if we remember to dream.

The Trailer.
The trailer for this new movie can be viewed online.

The Music.
The soundtrack for A CIRCLE ON THE CROSS is an original symphony composed by award-winning composer Lee Johnson. The soundtrack was recorded by the Russian National Orchestra in Moscow. Lee's latest work is "Dead Symphony No. 6," which is more than just pop songs arranged for an orchestra, it's a 12-movement symphony that twists the Greatful Dead songs in inspired adventurous directions. For more information and to listen to samples of Lee's work, visit his website.

When the film was in the pre-production stage, Keni Thomas wrote a song based on the screenplay. He performed the song on set for the cast and crew during production. In the years since production, this CIRCLE song became part of Keni's Flags of our Fathers: A Soldier's Story CD. Kenny Rogers performs the introductory statement to the Circle on the Cross song. See Keni's website for more information on Keni and to order the CD. Keni also wrote and performed a second song, "That's My Dad," for the movie, which is on Keni's newest CD, Gunslinger.

(A former Army ranger and member of the elite Task Force Ranger assault unit, Keni Thomas fought in the Somalia battle recounted in the book and motion picture "Black Hawk Down." He also served as military advisor for the film "We Were Soldiers." Keni was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the combat infantryman's badge.)

The People Behind the Project.
To learn more about the actors, visit our The Crew page.