A Quote from William Bradford, from The Pilgrims
A quote from William Bradford, the longtime governor of Plymouth Colony who wrote "Of Plymouth Plantation: 1620-1647."
The Pilgrims Trailer
The challenges the Pilgrims faced in making new lives for themselves still resonate almost 400 years later: the tensions of faith and freedom in American society, the separation of Church and State, and cultural encounters resulting from immigration. "The Pilgrims" premieres November 24 at 8/7c on PBS American Experience.
Overboard on the Mayflower
During a storm in the north Atlantic, indentured servant John Howland was swept off the Mayflower's deck. Fortunately, he grabbed a line and was hauled back onboard. Howland thrived in the New World and nearly four centuries later, an estimated two million Americans can claim him as an ancestor. "The Pilgrims" premieres November 24 at 8/7c on PBS American Experience.
American Comandante, Chapter 1
William Morgan always wanted to "be somebody." After deserting from the army, spending time in prison and working for the mob, Morgan was ready for a new start. He got his chance as a Comandante fighting in the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s and '60s. "American Comandante" premieres November 17 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
American Comandante Preview
When William Morgan was executed outside a Havana prison on March 11, 1961, his strange story seemed to vanish from the popular imagination as quickly as it had appeared; it was lost in the classified archives of the Cold War; and it was edited out of Cuban history by Fidel Castro’s retelling of the revolution. "American Comandante" premieres November 17 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
William Morgan at the Circus
When William "Billy" Morgan was growing up, his father, Alexander Morgan filmed home movies of the family and their exploits. In this silent clip, a young Billy Morgan explores a circus and does some calisthenics.
Teenage William Morgan
When William "Billy" Morgan was growing up, his father took home movies of the family throughout the 1930s and '40s. In this silent clip, a teen Billy spends time with the family dog in Ohio.
Winter in Ohio
When William "Billy" Morgan was a child, his father took home movies of the family throughout the 1930s and '40s. In this silent clip, Morgan plays in the snow at home in Ohio.
The Failed Revolution
William Morgan held out hope that the Cuban revolution would follow through on the ideals he had fought for. But more and more he saw things he didn't like or agree with: former comrades being arrested for speaking out against the government, the nationalization of newspapers and banks, jails filling up with prisoners. "American Comandante" premieres Nov. 17 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
"Deep Trouble" from American Comandante
By 1960, Fidel Castro had deployed tens of thousands of men against the hundreds in the resistance. William Morgan was deeply worried for his family, but he was not prepared to walk away from what he had become in Cuba.
Walt Disney Part 2, Chapter 1
In May 1941, more than 200 of Walt Disney's workers go on strike. Roy Disney eventually strikes a deal with the new union, but to Walt, the studio will never be the same. Part Two continues to explore the life and enduring legacy of Walt Disney, including his newest project: Disneyland. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 and 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
Walt Disney's Next Big Idea: Disneyland
In the early 1950s, Walt Disney began gathering a small group of artists to work for his new company, WED. They were developing Disney's next big idea: an amusement park for the whole family, called Disneyland. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 on PBS American Experience.
Walt Disney Part 1, Chapter 1
Part One (1901-1941) explores the complex life and enduring legacy of Walt Disney, from his early days creating Mickey Mouse through the triumph of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the first full-length animated film. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
The Success of "Snow White"
In its first year, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" grossed $8 million -- more than any other film before it. Walt Disney was hailed as a true American original, one who had found the balance between art and commerce. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 on PBS American Experience.
Visitors to Disneyland
Disneyland attracted one million visitors within the first 10 weeks after its grand opening in July 1955. It also became a top destination for foreign dignitaries visiting the United States. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 & 15 on PBS American Experience.
The Creation of Mickey Mouse
After losing control of his first animated star, Oswald, Walt Disney brainstormed with his team to come up with a new cartoon character: a mouse named Mickey. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 and 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
Working at Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney viewed his studio as a community. He insisted the staff call him "Walt" and brought in experts from prestigious art schools to teach classes to his animators. Things were going well, but Walt Disney was growing restless to find his next big project. "Walt Disney" premieres on September 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
Walt Disney's Hometown
For a young Walt Disney, Marceline, MO provided the setting for a brief, idyllic childhood. But just five years after settling in the small town, Elias Disney announced that the family was moving back to the city. "Walt Disney" premieres September 14 and 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
Walt Disney's Public Vs. Private Persona
Walt Disney was aware of the gap between himself and the persona he had created for public consumption. He told himself he was just the same regular guy that he had always been -- driving himself to the office everyday, getting his hair cut at the studio barber shop -- but the truth was, he wasn't just a regular guy. "Walt Disney" premieres Sept. 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
The "Fearless Filmmaking" of "Bambi"
Walt Disney's "Bambi" was released in August of 1942 and stood out as the most ambitious feature-length film in the history of the studio. In the film, Disney was striving to capture the natural world in all its beauty and peril, but most viewers remember one striking scene: the death of Bambi's mother. "Walt Disney" premieres Sept. 14 & 15 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
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