What It’s About: A man is going to be hung during the Civil War as a spy. They’re hanging him off a bridge over a river; his thoughts are only of a chance to see his wife and home again. When they drop him down the rope snaps, he falls into the water, and he’s able to free himself of his bonds.  Can he escape?

Why Watch it Today?:  Ambrose Bierce, famed author of macabre and war tales, was born on this date in 1842.  An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge is one of his most famous stories, echoed countless times in other short stories, films, and television shows (especially anthology shows).  Today’s adaptation won 1964’s Best Short Subject, Live Action Oscar and was featured on The Twilight Zone.

Watch the entire short on YouTube: