The Century (1999– )

Peter Jennings hosted this 6 episode special that reviews some of the most important events of the 20th Century. Each episode is a two part examination of two events in history that ... See full summary »

Stars:

Peter Jennings, John Aaron, Harold Agnew

2 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Peter Jennings	...	Himself - Reporter (2 episodes, 1999)

Storyline

Peter Jennings hosted this 6 episode special that reviews some of the most important events of the 20th Century. Each episode is a two part examination of two events in history that happened at different times during the 20th century, but are loosely connected and help explain the complexity of America and its place in the world. Episode 1-"Heaven and Earth" explores Lindbergh's flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927 and America's Space Program culminating with man taking the first steps on the Moon. Episode 2-"Ultimate Power" explores Hitler's rise to power in Germany and America's race to develop the Atom Bomb before the German's. Episode 3-"No Man's Land" explores America's involvement in World War I; which we won but was not "the war to end all wars," and end of the Vietnam War; which was lost after America grew tired of a war that seemed to have no end. Episode 4-"Memphis Dreams" explores the rise of Elvis Presley and rock n' roll and Martin Luther King, the civil rights leader...

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Plot Keywords:

20th century | rock 'n' roll | civil rights | vietnam war | atom bomb | 

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Taglines:

A television event . . . one hundred years in the making

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Genres:

Documentary | History

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

ABC News

Technical Specs

Runtime:

720 min

Color:

Black and White Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

In this special John Zuckerman says that he was attending the opening of The French Open when he learned that Charles Lindbergh was about to land and that he never found out who won the tournament. René Lacoste was the men's champion and Kate Bouman won the women's.

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Quotes

Peter Jennings: [about Hitler] "Lansberg Prison, near Munich Germany. In 1924, the prisoner in cell #7 concieved of a master plan to sieze control in a highly advance and democratic society. In ten years, he would achieve his goal."

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Connections

Features Tender Comrade (1943)

User Reviews

An outstanding documentary series!

One of the most thought-provoking documentaries of recent times. My only complaint is I wish it were longer! Peter Jennings has created what may be his finest work as a reporter, assembling an extraordinary montage of film and commentary on the history of the 20th century.