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American Experience Season 10 Episodes
Season 10 Episode Guide
9 Episodes 1997 - 1998
Episode 1
Truman
Sun, Oct 5, 1997 150 mins
A two-part study of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president. Part 1 covers his service during World War I; his accomplishments as a small-time Kansas City politician; his two terms as a Missouri senator. Narrated by Jason Robards.
Episode 2
Truman
Mon, Oct 6, 1997 120 mins
The conclusion of a study of Harry S. Truman recalls his post-WWII economic policies; his 1948 presidential campaign; the Korean War; and his celebrated clash with Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Narrator: Jason Robards.
Episode 3
A Midwife's Tale
Mon, Jan 19, 1998 90 mins
Chronicling the efforts of historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich to gather facts about early American life through the diaries of Maine resident and midwife Martha Ballard (1735?-1812). Included: dramatizations of some of the passages; and the use of town documents to supplement some of Ballard's accounts.
Episode 4
Mr. Miami Beach
Mon, Feb 2, 1998 60 mins
Recalling the life of Carl Fisher, the entrepreneur who "sold the glamour of Florida" and turned a swampland into Miami Beach. Included: how he developed the resort town using topsoil from the Everglades and sand from Biscayne Bay. Narrated by Liev Schreiber.
Episode 5
Influenza 1918
Mon, Feb 9, 1998 60 mins
Chronicling the epidemic of the Spanish flu in 1918, which claimed "more than 600,000 lives." Included: futile attempts to develop a vaccine; and how the virus spread to Europe. Narrated by Linda Hunt.
Episode 6
Reagan
Mon, Feb 23, 1998 117 mins
The life and legacy of Ronald Reagan are examined in a two-part study, beginning with his impoverished childhood; his start as a radio sportscaster and career as an actor; his two terms as governor of California; and his 1980 election to the Presidency. Among those interviewed: Nancy Reagan and Ron Reagan Jr.
Episode 7
Reagan
Mon, Feb 23, 1998 147 mins
The conclusion of a biography of Ronald Reagan focuses on the president's second term and includes his defense-spending policies and the Iran-Contra scandal. Narrated by David Ogden Stiers.
Episode 8
Surviving the Dust Bowl
Mon, Mar 2, 1998 60 mins
Children of 1930s Plains farmers recall the Dust Bowl, the eight-year drought that was made far worse by the 30 years of aggressive farming that preceded it.
Episode 9
Riding the Rails
Mon, Apr 12, 1999 60 mins
Seniors reflect on "Riding the Rails" as teenage hobos during the Depression. Archival footage and period folk music are blended with the oral histories. Produced by Michael Uys and Lexy Lovell. Richard Thomas narrates.