The World of Tomorrow

John Crowley's documentary about the 1939-40 New York World's Fair recreates both the majesty and the low comedy of one of the greatest public relations triumphs of the century.

Robard is impeccable in his careful narration of the memories of an old man, trying to recreate the escaped glory and promise of the Fair of his youth.

The optimism of the Fair--with its ubiquitous motto, "I Have Seen the Future"--is undercut at every turn both by the knowledge of the impending failure of Western civilization (in the form of World War II) and the long-term loss of the promise of a better world.

Possibly the finest documentary you will ever see.