When a young man applies as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam war, he must battle the country he loves; bear scorn from his family, friends, and fiancée; and face a five-year prison term.

SYNOPSIS:

FRANCESCO DA VINCI (18) is a young man born into a wealthy, dysfunctional family. His psychiatrist father, DR. DA VINCI (45) and his mother (40), are pacifists and alcoholics. A series of incidents in the early 1960s crystalize Francesco’s nonviolent stance: duck and cover drills in high school during the Cuban Missile crisis, Dr. King and the March on Washington, the assassination of JFK, and the mandatory registering for the draft. The aftermath initiates his transformation from bystander to activist. Meanwhile, Francesco's best friend, JERRY (18, African-American) is serving in the Navy in Vietnam.

In college, Francesco faces hatred from professors for his personal philosophy of nonviolence. He participates in the ’67 March on the Pentagon and is beaten by national guardsmen. A chance encounter with SENATOR ROBERT F. KENNEDY (43), coupled with the growing student peace movement, give him hope. In 1968, at the risk of prison, Francesco files for conscientious objector status. His legal battle and personal hardships are just beginning. At war with war, there is too little time for his fiancée, JANE (21).

Francesco’s CO stand and peace work attract the attention of mysterious federal agents who detain and interrogate him. With support from CESAR CHAVEZ (40s), he forms an anti-war organization, Nonviolent Action, drawing more unwanted attention to his CO case. Finding a supportive draft attorney, CHARLIE KHOURY (mid-30s), is not easy.

In a “David v. Goliath” moment, Francesco rents a small boat to display a banner to sailors, urging that the USS Constellation aircraft carrier not return to Vietnam. In response, two navy cutters charge full-speed, almost capsizing Francesco’s boat. He ends up on national news and attracts support from Joan Baez’s activist husband, DAVID HARRIS (25).

Jane abruptly leaves Francesco. His life is in shambles. The city-wide vote on whether the USS Constellation should return to Vietnam, orchestrated by Francesco, is covered by CBS and ABC news. The notoriety may seal Francesco’s fate - denial of his CO claim and a five-year prison term. Despite the government’s threats, Francesco’s CO case comes before ERNEST FEARS, JR. (40s, African American), the Virginia State Director of Selective Service. Against all odds, Francesco wins his appeal, leaves his peace organization, and reunites with Jane in San Francisco.

I REFUSE TO KILL BY FRANCESCO DA VINCI & TOM STOHLGREN