Skip to content

Visit Your Local PBS Station PBS Home PBS Home Programs A-Z TV Schedules Watch Video Support PBS Shop PBS Search PBS

The Judge and the General

Flash Not Detected

Premiere Date: August 19, 2008

Synopsis

When in 1998 Chilean judge Juan Guzmán was assigned the first criminal cases against the country's ex-dictator, General Augusto Pinochet, no one expected much. Guzmán had supported Pinochet's 1973 coup — waged as an anti-Communist crusade — that left the democratically elected president, Salvador Allende, and thousands of others dead or "disappeared." The filmmakers trace the judge's descent into what he calls "the abyss," where he uncovers the past — including his own role in the tragedy. The Judge and the General reveals one of the 20th century’s most notorious episodes and tells a cautionary tale about violating human rights in the name of "higher ideals." A co-production of Independent Television Service (ITVS) in association with Latino Public Broadcasting.

Read the full film description »

TAGS: chile, human rights, pinochet, salvador allende, south america

Reviews & Reactions

Write Yours

Average Review

Be the first to review this film!

Write a Reaction

Your rating

Are you aware of our Comment Policy?

* Your email address is for verification purposes only and will not be published, shared, or sold to other entities.

Filmmakers

Elizabeth Farnsworth

Elizabeth Farnsworth

view interview »

Patricio Lanfranco

Patricio Lanfranco

Film Update

Upcoming Films

A Co-Production of

Logo: ITVS

In Association with

Logo: LPB