Wed, Aug 7, 1996
BIOGRAPHY relates the story of Isaac Newton's life from his birth during a plague in an English village through his seminal work in mathematics, theology, alchemy and astronomy. Newton devoted his life to the study of the natural world, discovering the laws of gravity, analyzing light, and developing the three laws of motion to explain the movement of the planets and their satellites. The documentary provides in depth discussions of each of Newton's major discoveries, including calculus, gravity and the reflecting telescope. It traces his studies of ancient history and of the Bible, and details his struggle to gain public recognition for his scientific work.Sir Isaac Newton: The Gravity of Genius will be useful for students interested in mathematics, science, and European history.
Tue, Feb 13, 1996
He was a warrior so mighty that vast armies fell helpless before him. His strength, however, was no match for the seduction of her embrace. The Hebrew judge Samson was a man of terrifying strength and barbaric fury. Renowned for killing thousands with the jawbone of an ass, he was tamed not by great armies, but by the blazing eyes of the Philistine courtesan Delilah. Who was this mysterious woman who learned the mysterious secret of Samson's strength? Samson & Delilah: Love and Betrayal offers a comprehensive investigation into their dramatic story of passion and treachery, complete with stunning location footage, rare paintings and artifacts, and interviews with experts and biblical scholars. Biography adeptly illuminates the smoldering love of Samson & Delilah, one of the Bible's most tragic couples.
Mon, Apr 8, 1996
He wrote his name in blood on the sidewalks of New York and made himself the Boss of all Bosses. Arriving in America at the age of nine and embarking upon a life of crime at age 14, Charles "Lucky" Luciano rose through the ranks of the New York Mafia like a pistol shot. By the age of 34, he was running the Sicilian mob like a U.S. corporation diversifying the rackets, organizing the gangs and running his own political candidates. Examine Lucky's 30-year career as CEO of Murder, Inc. through rare interviews and extensive archival footage. Mob insiders recall the history-making meetings held in Luciano's Waldorf-Astoria headquarters. And naval records reveal how his top-secret war efforts earned him parole from a 50-year sentence.Journey into the dangerous world of La Cosa Nostra for the definitive portrait of one of the most notorious criminals in history.
Wed, Feb 14, 1996
In December 1913, an Italian immigrant arrived in New York City with a degree in Agriculture and dreams for a better life. Few who knew him then could have imagined that only six years later, Rodolfo Guglielmi would become Rudolph Valentino, Hollywood's first male sex symbol. A successful career as a dancer led to bit roles in the movies. But Hollywood wasn't ready for a dark lover, so Valentino was typecast as the villain in most of his early films. His powerful portrayal of an unscrupulous Italian count in EYES OF YOUTH earned him the coveted lead role of Julio in THE FOUR HOURSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE. His sultry tango and tormented love scenes led to THE SHEIK. Almost overnight, he changed the face of leading men in America with his smoldering gaze and passionate embrace. But Valentino was much more than a sex symbol. He had a talent for comedy, spoke at least four languages, and was an avid collector of European antiques, books, fine cars and dogs. He was a skilled horseman, expert mechanic and serious amateur boxer. To his friends he was Rudy, a man of simple yet refined tastes who adored children and worshipped the women he loved. His tragic death at 31 caused riots and motivated suicides. His funerals in New York and Hollywood drew hundreds of thousands of mourners. And his fans only increased, as The Great Lover became a legend. Eighty years after his death, people still pack the chapel at Hollywood Forever on August 23rd for his annual memorial service, making it the longest running event in Hollywood. From his birth in Castellaneta, Italy, to his untimely death in New York City, Rudolph Valentino led a fascinating life marked by scandal, controversy and heartbreak. Join us for an intimate look at the man behind the icon.
Wed, Mar 6, 1996
The career and personal life of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. He quickly became one of Italy's most intelligent and menacing young Socialists. He broke with Italian Socialist Party after advocating intervention in World War I. In 1922, he became prime minister, and by 1925, he had established himself as dictator. His rule saw an official totalitarian system; the establishment of the Vatican state; the annexation of Abyssinia and Albania; and the formation of the Axis with Germany. His declaration of war on Britain and France was followed by a series of defeats in Africa and in the Balkans. Following the Allied invasion of Sicily, his supporters deserted him, and he was overthrown and arrested. Rescued from imprisonment by German paratroopers, he was placed in charge of the puppet Italian Social Repbulic, but in 1945 he was captured by the Italian Resistance and executed.
Fri, Mar 15, 1996
Born November 2, 1913, he went from street-wise tough to art-collector liberal-activist, from circus-acrobat hunk to Academy Award winner. Burton Stephen Lancaster - later Burt Lancaster - was one of five children of a New York City postal worker. Burt recalled family life as warm and mutually supportive. At the Union Settlement House, he and boyhood friend Nick Cravat formed an acrobatic team. By eighteen, Burt was 6'2'' and blessed with the athletic physique and dynamic good looks that helped make him famous. A basketball scholarship was not enough to keep him in NYU beyond his sophomore year. That's when he and the 5'2'' Cravat joined a circus, earning $3 weekly between them. A stint in the Army introduced Burt to acting and led him to Hollywood where his first release, The Killers (1946), propelled him to stardom at age 32. He took control of his own career and seldom faltered. He was married three times and had five children. Upon his death in 1994, four-time Academy Award-nominated Burt Lancaster was acknowledged as one of the greatest stars in the Hollywood firmament.
Mon, Mar 18, 1996
It is not surprising that a man with a physique like Arnold Schwarzenegger became a great bodybuilder. What is surprising is the determination it took to get him to where he is. This program follows the story of the Austrian who revolutionized bodybuilding. Archival film footage shows Schwarzenegger's amazing physical prowess. The program shows how Schwarzenneger used that same focus, intelligence, and drive to become a Hollywood star. Not a natural actor, and with a heavy accent that was difficult to understand, Schwarzenneger applied himself until he achieved the same results in film that he had in bodybuilding. This inspirational story is accompanied by interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, and the indomitable Schwarzenneger himself.
Tue, Apr 9, 1996
Part of the documentary series examining the lives and careers of some of the most notorious gangsters in history. This volume looks at the life of Meyer Lansky, the financial brains behind Lucky Luciano's outfit. Lansky was responsible for creating the syndicated structures of modern organised crime, and this documentary includes rare archive footage and interviews to illuminate his shadowy career.
Mon, May 6, 1996
The famous commander of the Bounty has been immortalized in literature and film as the leader who was so onerous that his crew deposed him on the high seas. This documentary checks into the facts, and the factual Bligh is seen as much different person than the fictitious one. Journals, diaries, and the insights of scholars provide the facts of the actual mutiny.