"Desperate Crossing's" three-hour presentation of the Pilgrims is likely to determine public perceptions of the history of New England's first English colony for many years. Combining beautiful photography with a simplified but familiar plot, the result is a lively story full of tension, romance, and a conflict of cultures. The film's narrative is predominantly composed of quotations from the works of Plymouth Colonys original historians William Bradford and Edward Winslow. To consider their well-known words an unknown story would be ludicrous, so what's the twist? Condensation and omission are inevitable within the limits of a film. What does the story become when distilled? What does the producer choose to include? What is added, what left out? What is the untold story?

There are a few published eyewitness reports of early Plymouth Colony. The most famous is William Bradford’s history Of Plimoth Plantation that actually begins in 1550 and runs through1647-8. Perhaps the next best known is the journal known as Mourt’s Relation that mainly covers the period from the Pilgrims’ departure from England in September 1620 through the first winter to 23 March 1621. Here, Morrell’s observations, recorded in both Latin hexameters and his own translation into English, were published in 1625.

The marriage of the king’s daughter on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1613, eclipsed in elaborate splendour all other events at that time in the English court. Plays by Shakespere were performed for the couple in the preceding period when they were becoming acquainted. The Archbishop of Canterbury officiated at the wedding ceremony in the royal chapel at Whitehall Palace. Crowds of English and European nobles attended, all carefully shown to their places according to rank and influence. Observers tried to count the jewels on the bride’s dress, but failed. Masques by Thomas Campion, Francis Beaumont, and Sir Francis Bacon marked the celebrations, as did banquets with frequent music. Inigo Jones provided the stage sets. Campion’s masque was performed on February 14, the day of the marriage. Some of its music was composed by John Cooper, known as Coperario or Coprario.