My wife and I went to the cinema in Rugby yesterday afternoon - to watch the film 'Charlie Wilson's War', which was released in the UK last Thursday. It is based on the true story of Congressman Charlie Wilson - and his efforts to dramatically increase US funding to fighters in Afghanistan during the Russian invasion and occupation.Can I recommend the film - it is very well written, with some excellent one-liners (you can't afford not to give the dialogue your full attention - or you'll miss some gems) - it's what we have come to expect from Aaron Sorkin, the genius behind 'West Wing'. The film is well acted, with lots of details from Congress. Visitors to the Hill will recognise The House of Representatives and the Rayburn Building. Jack Murtha and Rudi Giuliani both get a number of mentions.
Charlie Wilson was the Democratic representative for the 2nd District in Texas from 1973 to 1996. He is not to be confused with Charlie Wilson, the current Representative from the 6th District of Ohio - as one website has done. He had served in the Navy [1956-60] was assigned to the Pentagon as part of an intelligence unit that evaluated the Soviet Union's nuclear forces. Prior to election to the US Congress he was a member of the Texas legislature. After his retirement from Congress he worked as a lobbyist then returned to Lufkin, Texas. He had a heart transplant in September last year, and attended the Hollywood Premiere of the film (but not the Washington premiere). There was an excellent Washington Post piece - which can be found at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/21/AR2007122102520.html
