December 1776. Decimated by superior British forces, suffering from disease, desertion and lack of funds, General George Washington (Jeff Daniels) faces the unthinkable -- losing the war. Despite all advice to the contrary, Washington makes a courageous decision that is considered to be one of the boldest in military history. On Christmas night, with the American Revolution hanging in the balance, Washington takes his army across the ice-choked Delaware River. The next morning, he leads a surprise atack against a garrison of Hessian mercenaries. The overwhelming and miraculous victory turns the tide in the war and ultimately leads to the birth of the United States.

Closed-captioned. Based on the historical novel by Howard Fast. Based on the novel by Howard Fast.