The Century: America's Time

I loved this documentary series when I first discovered it twenty-plus years ago and I still love it today. I have the set on VHS that I still pop in now and then, and it has been in the YouTube library for years as well. This series is informative and interesting, nostalgic and poignant. There are so many firsthsnd vignettes told, and the imagery is riveting. Also, Peter Jennings does the narration very well. The musical score matches the images beautifully. The twentieth century was so eventful and tumultuous in the United States, and The Century: America's Time tells that story exceptionally well.

Always really admired how he did this one-you have some amazingly with-it WWI vets in their 90's remembering what it was like to fight on the Western Front, the essence of age, history, consequence and action is just so palpable throughout each show. Did that make any sense? watch it and you'll see.

Highlights also-the section on Elvis Presley. Remember that idiotic Time Magazine 'top 100' or whatever of the 20th Century where they slagged him by putting the Sinatra as the #1 singer and Beatles as rock act-? Both Halberstram and Jennings give the lie to THAT in their surveys of the Fifties. Very good going.

I have no idea why its 5.7, but it deserves at least an 8 or 9. I've seen this documentary more times than i can remember, the music people and video scenes all add up to create feeling like you are there witnessing everything take place. Pretty much everything up to the 70's will keep your eyes glued to the T.V. Captures the mood of the Depression and the Holocaust excellently. It only really lacks once they get to the 80's and 90's. I would've liked to see more of what Reagan did during his presidency, and maybe a mention of the L.A. Riots would've been good.

Otherwise Great Series, worth owning and viewing multiple times. The late Peter Jennings is always a great host and his wording usually adds to the scenes that are portrayed. Other Interviews include Dennis Hopper,Martin Scorcese, Dick Clark, Janet Leigh, Ossie Davis, and Colin Powell.

Also if you liked this series, check out CNN's The Cold War, and also, A Century of Warfare.