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Connections

  • TV Mini Series
  • 1978
  • 50m
IMDb RATING
9.3/10
1.6K
YOUR RATING
James Burke in Connections (1978)
Science & Technology DocumentaryDocumentaryHistory

Follow James Burke through the history of science and technology in this collection of 10 1-hour episodes, starting with "The Trigger Effect."Follow James Burke through the history of science and technology in this collection of 10 1-hour episodes, starting with "The Trigger Effect."Follow James Burke through the history of science and technology in this collection of 10 1-hour episodes, starting with "The Trigger Effect."

  • Stars
    • James Burke
    • Kenneth Kendall
    • Bruce Boa
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    9.3/10
    1.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Stars
      • James Burke
      • Kenneth Kendall
      • Bruce Boa
    • 18User reviews
    • 5Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Episodes10

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated1 season1978

    Photos1

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    Top cast6

    Edit
    James Burke
    James Burke
    • Self - Presenter
    • 1978
    Kenneth Kendall
    Kenneth Kendall
    • Newsreader
    • 1978
    Bruce Boa
    Bruce Boa
    • Newsreader
    • 1978
    Mark Wing-Davey
    Mark Wing-Davey
    • Henry V
    • 1978
    Ted Burnett
    Ted Burnett
    • Man Carrying Barrel
    • 1978
    Keith Macey
    • Saxon Child
    • 1978
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews18

    9.31.5K
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    Featured reviews

    Blueghost

    An excellent series.

    When I first saw this series on PBS it was mesmerizing. James Burke was (and still is) a dynamo of enthusiasm for forward thinking science and progress. In his series he does away with epochs and eras of revolutions, and shows us various butterfly effects and inspirations for a plethora of things that helped improve human society.

    I have to admit that I was then, and am still now, awed and perplexed as to how one can make such linear connections without the human artifice of defining periods of when certain technological and social explosions and convulsions took place. I'm a throw back to the "it happened in this period" mindset. Burke says "No, it happened like this..." and shows us what invention or discovery did what and for whom, and how that changed human society as a whole (in particular Europe and the US).

    We're shown vignettes that describe breakthroughs, inspirations, discoveries, and applications thereof. We're told and shown the social climate of the time, and how times changed and were altered by new innovations.

    In short, Burke shows us the connections. He shows us minds of the elite and not-so-privileged making contributions, and how their ideas resonated with one another to create even newer inventions and so on.

    Production Values; shot on 16mm, the props, costumes and demonstrations of various apparatus (old and new alike) are top notch, as are the locations. James Burke himself is very energetic and easy to listen to as he explains his logic and paths of reason. The only critique is that the material is dated, but in a good way. Being a product of its age, "Connections" shows us a slice of time I was involved in, when computers were still largely business and university electronic mechanisms, and high technology meant a pocket calculator to do your math homework. It shows us a time when social ignorance of a different sort because of lack of communication was very much prevalent because of the political polarization on an international scope; the US and its allies were 1st world countries, the Soviets and their sphere of influence were the 2nd world, and every other nation not aligned was "the third world", and how this fueled inspiration and connections. So it is that we can go with James Burke to Dubai, London, New York, and Berlin, but not Beijing nor Moscow.

    If you're interested in how things got going, and how we in the 70s looked at tomorrow, then definitely give this series a look. You won't be disappointed.
    Cari-8

    Intriguing, entertaining, and accessible...

    The Connections series I, II and III are the most delightful and accessible approach to the history of the world and its' sciences since the Cosmos series. Compelling and Addictive... something on television that's truly worth watching. Companion books to the series are also available. The Connections series' blend of humor and Zen are incredibly entertaining--- Call it Life As We Know It 101.

    Also recommended: The Day The Universe Changed series.
    10pmajmudar

    Greatest Historical Documentary I have ever seen about our world

    I am a curious character who just loves how things and world and people came to be the way we are today.... I just want things to make sense and go behind the scenes to find out about things.. If you like that, and if you are a history fanatic, this is the BEST documentary, with that so delicious British tongue-in-cheek humor that is served so well by Burke. Comedy and (real) History and Technology and Detective story (connecting seemingly so unconnected things) .. I love all four genre... But to find all of them, in ONE movie, all rolled together... and also done so... so well.... how can heaver be far away? p.s. is there ANY way I can get a copy of this rented or even purchased? Please please email me if you know...
    10prashantsharma-70242

    One of the best things I ever saw

    In this amazing series, James Burke, discusses the amazing world of scientific inventions and discoveries and how they all relate to one another. It explores the historical and cultural implications on the things that we take for granted today. It might be old, but all of it is still relevant and damn interesting. James Burke is an excellent narrator and grips your attention throughout the series with his amazing findings about the man made world and how and why are things the way they are. I was always intrigued by the things all around us, and how we got from hunter gatherers to a space faring civilisation. This series beautifully answers that question while presenting you with extraordinary complex world which stan on seemingly simple incremental changes that got us where we are today.
    10JamisonC

    Connections is brilliant!

    Please borrow this series of BBC episodes, written and hosted by James Burke, from your local library. If they don't have it, ask them to order it.

    This is the most eloquent presentation of the history of civilization that has ever aired on television or appeared in cinema. It should be required viewing for any English-speaking student. This series will powerfully enhance your perspective of history and your place in it, because you will understand why things are the way they are today.

    Each episode is expertly crafted to a high standard that invites repeated viewing. You will be amazed.

    More like this

    Connections 2
    8.5
    Connections 2
    The Day the Universe Changed
    9.1
    The Day the Universe Changed
    Connections with James Burke
    9.0
    Connections with James Burke
    Connections 3
    8.5
    Connections 3
    The Ascent of Man
    8.8
    The Ascent of Man
    Civilisation
    8.7
    Civilisation
    The Planets
    9.0
    The Planets
    Universe
    8.3
    Universe
    Cosmos
    9.3
    Cosmos
    In Search of...
    8.4
    In Search of...
    The War
    9.0
    The War
    Civilisations
    7.8
    Civilisations

    Related interests

    Bonne nuit Oppy (2022)
    Science & Technology Documentary
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    Documentary
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    History

    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The first episode of the series, "The Trigger Effect", was adapted into a film of the same name.
    • Connections
      Featured in Screenwipe: Episode #5.4 (2008)

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    FAQ14

    • How many seasons does Connections have?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 17, 1978 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • James Burke's Connections
    • Production companies
      • British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
      • Time Life Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 50m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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