Favorite documentaries
Documentaries that are my favorites.
Arranged in ABC order.
Arranged in ABC order.
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65 titles
- DirectorKevin BurnsStarsJames CoburnJulie AndrewsDavid BrownThe first half century of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation from its beginnings under Hungarian immigrant William Fox to it emergence as a major studio.
- DirectorConstantine NasrStarsKenneth BranaghLeonard MaltinThomas G. SchatzA look at the movies in the year 1939, considered by many to be one of the greatest years in film history.
- DirectorTom LeetchStarsCarroll BallardTim BurtonJohn CulhaneThe various trials and errors in creating films at Disney, including aspects of "Something Wicked This Way Comes".
- DirectorEdith BeckerStarsVictor GarberSteven BielDaniel Allen ButlerA survey of 86 years of Titanicana in popular culture, with the emphasis on movies about (or inspired by) the disaster.
- DirectorLarry PeerceStarsJoan BaezGene ClarkMike ClarkeLive performances by some of the top rock-and-roll acts of the mid 60s. Includes Ray Charles, The Byrds, Joan Baez, Ike and Tina Turner, Donovan, The Lovin' Spoonful, and several more.
- DirectorGregory V. ShermanJeff ShermanStarsRichard M. ShermanRobert B. ShermanRoy Edward DisneyTheir music is unforgettable. Their name is legend. Delve into the lives and cinematic legacy of the prolific songwriting duo whose music has been featured in classic movies such as Mary Poppins (1964) and The Jungle Book (1967).
- StarsDean RichardsThis WGN TV special offers a retrospective look at beloved Chicago-area children's television shows "Bozo's Circus", "Garfield Goose and Friends", and "Ray Rayner and His Friends".
- DirectorDavid StrohmaierStarsLowell ThomasFred WallerJim MorrisonA nostalgic and compelling look into the legendary three camera, three projector process that revolutionized motion pictures and led the industry into the widescreen era. Through actual Cinerama clips, rare behind the scenes footage and new interviews, CINERAMA ADVENTURE takes the viewer back to a lost era of movie showmanship, placing this American cinema phenomenon into historical perspective.
- StarsMark HuntRon HutchinsonScott EymanThe nearly 30-year struggle to bring sound to motion pictures is the backdrop for this insightful documentary. Film historians, and survivors from the era take the audience from the early failed attempts by scientists and inventors, to the joined forces of Western Electric and Warner Bros. who, with their Vitaphone process,revolutionized the entertainment industry, perhaps more than any time before or since.
- DirectorConstantine Nasr
- DirectorArnold LeibovitStarsZsoka PalDuke GoldstoneRay HarryhausenAn endearing tribute to the father of fantasy and science fiction filmmaking - Oscar winner George Pal . Five decades of the visionary film makers groundbreaking works are presented via rare interviews and dynamic movie scenes.
- DirectorTheodore ThomasStarsFrank ThomasOllie JohnstonSylvia RoemerA study of the personal and professional relationship of Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, who started at the studio in the 1930s and worked on 23 films together.
- DirectorChristopher BirdKevin BrownlowStarsJulie ChristieGreta GarboCharles BuschAn original documentary from Turner Classic Movies, narrated by Julie Christie
- DirectorPeter JonesStarsAngela LansburyEsther WilliamsArlene DahlThe history of color photography in motion pictures, in particular the Technicolor company's work.
- DirectorJeff McQueenStarsEd GreenWes CravenJohn CarpenterA documentary on the history of the slasher film.
- StarsBea ArthurRue McClanahanBetty WhiteThis 90-minute special aired on the Lifetime network in June 2003 served as a reunion show for 3 of the 4 Golden Girls. This show has clips from the girls' favorite moments from the show, as well as some never-before-seen bloopers and outtakes. In addition, the special contains the Girls' favorite music numbers as well as interviews with the Girls, executive producers Paul Junger Witt and Tony Thomas, and creator and writer Susan Harris. When Lifetime aired this special, it earned the network an all-time high rating.
- DirectorRichard SchickelStarsRay HarryhausenLeonard NimoyRay BradburyNarrated by actor Leonard Nimoy and featuring appearances by George Lucas and Ray Bradbury, this film documents Ray Harryhausen's remarkable visual effects work, including his hand in Mighty Joe Young, 20 Million Miles to Earth and Clash of the Titans.
- DirectorDaniel FarrandsStarsNatalie AdamsDiane AlmeidaErich AndersonA documentary exploring 30 years of the "Friday The 13th" film series featuring all new interviews with cast and crew from all 12 films and various horror fans and filmmakers.
- StarsDick CavettBud AbbottConstance BennettA documentary about the glorious history of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and its decline leading to the sale of its back lot and props. By extension this provides a general history of Hollywood's Golden Age and the legendary studio system.
- DirectorJeffrey SchwarzStarsDivineMichael MustoMark PayneHow Divine, aka Harris Glenn Milstead, became John Waters' cinematic muse and an international drag icon.
- DirectorGary SmithStarsLucille BallDesi ArnazDesi Arnaz Jr.Retrospective honoring the 50th anniversary of the debut of "I Love Lucy, " one of TV's pioneer programs. Along with clips from the original series, guests recalled memories and the impact the show had on American culture.
- DirectorConstantine NasrMark NassiefStarsTom KennyDocumentary on the evolution of Popeye the Sailor Man.
- DirectorChristopher BirdKevin BrownlowStarsAlec BaldwinMerian C. CooperDavid StrohmaierThis documentary explores the incredible life of Merian C. Cooper, from his time as a soldier and pilot in three different wars, to his exploits in Hollywood, as a director, producer and cinematic innovator.