James A. Garfield and His Assassin in “Death by Lightning”
Mike Makowsky spent months securing government permission to view original materials, making it fitting that his new Netflix limited series, Death by Lightning, begins with a detailed re-creation of Charles J. Guiteau.
The recently released four-part series weaves together the stories of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, and Guiteau, the man who assassinated him in 1881, cutting Garfield’s presidency short. Garfield’s home in Mentor is now preserved as the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service.
Makowsky adapted the series from Candice Millard’s acclaimed 2011 book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. The cast includes Michael Shannon (“Man of Steel,” “Take Shelter”) as the principled Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen (“Pride & Prejudice,” “Succession”) portraying the disturbed Guiteau.
“...the parallel stories of the 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield, and Guiteau, the man who, in 1881, assassinated him, bringing Garfield’s stewardship of the country to an early end.”
The series highlights the tragic intersection of madness and tragedy that marked this pivotal moment in American history.
Key Details
- James A. Garfield was the 20th President of the United States.
- He was assassinated in 1881 by Charles J. Guiteau.
- Garfield’s home is preserved as a National Historic Site managed by the National Park Service.
- The Netflix series stars Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau.
- The show is adapted from Candice Millard’s 2011 book.
Author’s summary: The series “Death by Lightning” vividly dramatizes the intertwined fates of President Garfield and his assassin, revealing a story of ambition, madness, and tragedy in American history.
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