Writing History with Lightning: Cinematic Representations of Nineteenth-Century AmericaFilms possess virtually unlimited power for crafting broad interpretations of American history. Nineteenth century America has proven especially conducive to Hollywood imaginations, producing indelible images like the plight of Davy Crockett and the defenders of the Alamo, Pickett's doomed charge at Gettysburg, the proliferation and destruction of plantation slavery in the American South, Custer's fateful decision to divide his forces at Little Big