The Washingtonians (Masters of Horror episode)
Encyclopedia
The Washingtonians is the twelfth episode of the second season of Masters of Horror
, directed by Peter Medak
. The episode is based on the short story written by Bentley Little
. It details a man discovering a shocking secret about George Washington
that could shatter the world's view of America forever, and the murderous brotherhood sworn to keep the secret safe.
) discovers a strange letter hidden behind a portrait of George Washington while searching through the home of his recently deceased grandmother. The letter states, "I Will Skin and Eat Your Children. Upon Finishing, I Shall Fashion Tools Out of Their Bones," with the signature "G. W.", along with a fork presumably made out of human bone. After his grandmother's funeral, her friend Samuel Madison (Myron Natwick) tries to persuade Mike to give him the letter. When Mike refuses, members of a psychotic patriots group, with wooden teeth and dressed in powdered wigs and American Revolutionary War
attire begin to stalk
the family and they eventually try to break into their house. They demand the letter, but are forced to leave when Mike calls the police.
Mike turns to Professor Harkinson (Saul Rubinek
), a trusted friend and employee of the local university, for information. Harkinson tells him about "the Washingtonians" and how history has been based on a false image designed to hide the truth (referring to Washington's cannibalism
and the fact that Benjamin Franklin
is a composite character
based on the accomplishments of several lesser individuals). They are soon attacked by the Washingtonians once again and, although Harkinson manages to escape with the letter, Mike, his wife Pam (Venus Terzo
) and daughter Amy (Julia Tortolano) are abducted and taken to Mount Vernon
, the home of the killer President.
It is here the Washingtonians' murderous and cannibalistic nature is verified, when Mike and his family are taken into a large, opulent dining room and witness a table full of Washingtonians, (including Samuel and other townspeople they had met previously), feast on the mutilated body of a man. The Washingtonians reveal a history of their renowned leader. Apparently, during their stay at Valley Forge
, Washington and his troops were stranded without supplies and forced to resort to cannibalism in order to survive. Washington liked the taste of human meat, having one man killed a day to satisfy him even after supplies came through. He intended to lead the country on a mission of turning everyone into cannibals much like him.
However, before any of the Washingtonians can do harm to Mike and his family, Harkinson and a team of FBI
agents break in and kill all of the Washingtonians. Harkinson gives the letter back to Mike and tells him to expose the truth to the whole world.
, police arrive with him instead and the Washingtonians are simply shot down. An epilogue was added as well, in which six months after events the Franks have become vegetarians and to their shock Washington's face on the United States one-dollar bill
is replaced with that of George W. Bush
.
Masters of Horror
Masters of Horror is an informal social group of international film writers and directors specializing in horror movies and an American television series created by director Mick Garris for the Showtime cable network.- Origin :...
, directed by Peter Medak
Peter Medak
Peter Medak is a Hungarian-born film director of British and American films.-Early life:He was born in Budapest, Hungary to a Jewish family, but in 1956 fled his native country for England due to the Hungarian Revolution...
. The episode is based on the short story written by Bentley Little
Bentley Little
Bentley Little is an American author of horror novels.-Personal history:Little's first novel, The Revelation, was published with St...
. It details a man discovering a shocking secret about George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
that could shatter the world's view of America forever, and the murderous brotherhood sworn to keep the secret safe.
Plot
Mike Franks (Johnathon SchaechJohnathon Schaech
Johnathon Schaech is an American actor, writer, and director.-Early life:Schaech was born in Edgewood, Maryland to Joseph, a Baltimore City law enforcement officer, and Joanne Schaech, a human resources executive. He is of German and Italian descent, and was raised Roman Catholic...
) discovers a strange letter hidden behind a portrait of George Washington while searching through the home of his recently deceased grandmother. The letter states, "I Will Skin and Eat Your Children. Upon Finishing, I Shall Fashion Tools Out of Their Bones," with the signature "G. W.", along with a fork presumably made out of human bone. After his grandmother's funeral, her friend Samuel Madison (Myron Natwick) tries to persuade Mike to give him the letter. When Mike refuses, members of a psychotic patriots group, with wooden teeth and dressed in powdered wigs and American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
attire begin to stalk
Stalking
Stalking is a term commonly used to refer to unwanted and obsessive attention by an individual or group to another person. Stalking behaviors are related to harassment and intimidation and may include following the victim in person and/or monitoring them via the internet...
the family and they eventually try to break into their house. They demand the letter, but are forced to leave when Mike calls the police.
Mike turns to Professor Harkinson (Saul Rubinek
Saul Rubinek
Saul Rubinek is a Canadian actor, director, producer and playwright, known for his work in TV, film and the stage.-Early life:...
), a trusted friend and employee of the local university, for information. Harkinson tells him about "the Washingtonians" and how history has been based on a false image designed to hide the truth (referring to Washington's cannibalism
Cannibalism
Cannibalism is the act or practice of humans eating the flesh of other human beings. It is also called anthropophagy...
and the fact that Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Dr. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat...
is a composite character
Composite character
A composite character is a character composed of two or more individuals, appearing in a fictional or non-fictional work. Two fictional characters are often combined into one upon adaptation of a work from one medium to another, as in the film adaptation of a novel...
based on the accomplishments of several lesser individuals). They are soon attacked by the Washingtonians once again and, although Harkinson manages to escape with the letter, Mike, his wife Pam (Venus Terzo
Venus Terzo
Venus Terzo is a Canadian actress best noted for her role as Detective Angela Kosmo in Da Vinci's Inquest and its spinoff, Da Vinci's City Hall. She was nominated in 2002 for the Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role in that same role...
) and daughter Amy (Julia Tortolano) are abducted and taken to Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon
The name Mount Vernon is a dedication to the English Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon. It was first applied to Mount Vernon, the Virginia estate of George Washington, the first President of the United States...
, the home of the killer President.
It is here the Washingtonians' murderous and cannibalistic nature is verified, when Mike and his family are taken into a large, opulent dining room and witness a table full of Washingtonians, (including Samuel and other townspeople they had met previously), feast on the mutilated body of a man. The Washingtonians reveal a history of their renowned leader. Apparently, during their stay at Valley Forge
Valley Forge
Valley Forge in Pennsylvania was the site of the military camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777–1778 in the American Revolutionary War.-History:...
, Washington and his troops were stranded without supplies and forced to resort to cannibalism in order to survive. Washington liked the taste of human meat, having one man killed a day to satisfy him even after supplies came through. He intended to lead the country on a mission of turning everyone into cannibals much like him.
However, before any of the Washingtonians can do harm to Mike and his family, Harkinson and a team of FBI
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is an agency of the United States Department of Justice that serves as both a federal criminal investigative body and an internal intelligence agency . The FBI has investigative jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crime...
agents break in and kill all of the Washingtonians. Harkinson gives the letter back to Mike and tells him to expose the truth to the whole world.
Changes from the original story
The Masters of Horror episode was played in a more camp style than the original short story's black humor, and the ending was changed. Rather than having Harkinson and his fellow rescuers be redcoatsRed coat (British army)
Red coat or Redcoat is a historical term used to refer to soldiers of the British Army because of the red uniforms formerly worn by the majority of regiments. From the late 17th century to the early 20th century, the uniform of most British soldiers, , included a madder red coat or coatee...
, police arrive with him instead and the Washingtonians are simply shot down. An epilogue was added as well, in which six months after events the Franks have become vegetarians and to their shock Washington's face on the United States one-dollar bill
United States one-dollar bill
The United States one-dollar bill is the most common denomination of US currency. The first president, George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart, is currently featured on the obverse, while the Great Seal of the United States is featured on the reverse. The one-dollar bill has the oldest...
is replaced with that of George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
.