Political & Military Leaders

Biography - Barack Obama

This cable-television biography about the life of Illinois senator Barack Obama was made before he began campaigning to be the Democratic party's candidate for the 2008 presidential race. Still, the program suggests Obama has one or another kind of profound, Anerican destiny as a mixed-race activist who never comfortably fit into one or another group, and had to look deep into his own roots to understand his identity. The son of a white American mother and black Kenyan father, Obama was abandoned by the latter when he returned to his native country to work for its improvement. Raised by his mother--whom Obama credits with teaching him many of his values--and his grandmother, Obama lived in Hawaii as a child but moved to Indonesia for a few years when his mom remarried. There, Obama saw cyclical poverty and the underlying factors that perpetuate it before returning to Hawaii. Interviews with childhood friends and his sister describe Obama's restlessness before attending Harvard law school and propelling himself into a life of public service and community activism. Often accused of lacking enough political experience to qualify him for the White House, Obama comes across in this show as a visionary and experienced consensus-builder who can reach across opposing points of view. --Tom Keogh (Rereleased in a 2008 Election Update edition)

When he called himself "a skinny kid with a funny name" at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, his political star was already on the rise. By the time he decimated the competition in 2004 race for the Illinois Senate, he was the bona fide golden child of a Democratic party desperately in need of a winner. In many ways, the story of Barack Obama is a uniquely American tale of the 21st century, where racial lines are blurry and the most interesting chapter is just beginning.

Biography: John McCain

Produced and broadcast on cable television before Arizona senator John McCain announced he was a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2008 presidential race, Biography: John McCain told the warts-and-all story of McCain's life and political career. The familiar chapters are all here, including the struggle between McCain's destiny--as the son and grandson of elite military officers--to serve in the armed forces with distinction and his more naturally wild and devil-may-care attitude. (McCain graduated from Annapolis fifth from the bottom of his class.) The womanizing and rebellious McCain ultimately married and flew missions dropping bombs over Hanoi, the latter resulting in his five-and-a-half years as a prisoner-of-war, enduring many hardships and constant torture. The familiar newsreel footage of a shaken McCain in captivity belies the terrible conditions he withstood when the propaganda cameras weren't rolling. When that harrowing part of McCain's story finally ends, Biography examines in fascinating detail the ups and downs of his political life, establishing a reputation as a party maverick but taking his lumps, too, with the Keating scandal. Along the way, McCain's natural honor and impish humor always shine through. On the other hand, one does get a glimpse or two of his legendary impatience and temper, chalked up to a Vietnam experience that taught McCain not to waste time and opportunity. Biography: John McCain includes a short coda updating the original program with facts and details about McCain's campaign for the 2008 race. --Tom Keogh

The son and grandson of four-star admirals, navy pilot John McCain was shot down in 1967 while flying a bombing mission over Hanoi. A POW at the infamous Hanoi Hilton, he was released in 1973. In 1981, he moved to Phoenix and entered politics. Join us as we examine just how far up the political ladder this maverick U.S. Senator will climb.

Biography - Barack Obama (Election Update Edition)

This cable-television biography about the life of Illinois senator Barack Obama was made before he began campaigning to be the Democratic party's candidate for the 2008 presidential race. Still, the program suggests Obama has one or another kind of profound, Anerican destiny as a mixed-race activist who never comfortably fit into one or another group, and had to look deep into his own roots to understand his identity. The son of a white American mother and black Kenyan father, Obama was abandoned by the latter when he returned to his native country to work for its improvement. Raised by his mother--whom Obama credits with teaching him many of his values--and his grandmother, Obama lived in Hawaii as a child but moved to Indonesia for a few years when his mom remarried. There, Obama saw cyclical poverty and the underlying factors that perpetuate it before returning to Hawaii. Interviews with childhood friends and his sister describe Obama's restlessness before attending Harvard law school and propelling himself into a life of public service and community activism. Often accused of lacking enough political experience to qualify him for the White House, Obama comes across in this show as a visionary and experienced consensus-builder who can reach across opposing points of view. The program ends with details about Obama's entry into the U.S. Senate and his rise in the Democratic party, but a post-program coda catches us up with the history of his recent campaign. --Tom Keogh

When he called himself "a skinny kid with a funny name" at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, his political star was already on the rise. By the time he decimated the competition in 2004 race for the Illinois Senate, he was the bona fide golden child of a Democratic party desperately in need of a winner. In many ways, the story of Barack Obama is a uniquely American tale of the 21st century, where racial lines are blurry and the most interesting chapter is just beginning.

Biography: Benjamin Franklin - Citizen of the World

Inventor writer businessman scientist diplomat and the face gracing the hundred-dollar bill this stately figure is the Benjamin Franklin history has taught us to remember. Now in this revealing yet informal History Channel® presentation the real man behind the myth is finally brought to light.By his own admission the man who negotiated an alliance with France helped write the Declaration of Independence and was the first to tame lightning was far from perfect. A self-promoter and occasionally ruthless competitor this Founding Father never made a penny from his achievements and was more comfortable speaking in front of the British Parliament than he was being with his own family. Narrated in an easy conversational tone by Edward Herrmann (Intolerable Cruelty The Practice) BEN FRANKLIN features in-depth interviews with renowned biographers and historians as well as reenactments shot in High-Definition video on locations in Philadelphia a truly remarkable virtual walk in Franklin s footsteps.Available on DVD for the first time BEN FRANKLIN is a fresh down-to-earth informative look at one of America s most essential human monuments.System Requirements:Running Time: 100 MinutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 733961759075 Manufacturer No: AAE-75907

Biography - Vladimir Lenin: Voice of Revolution

Documents released since the fall of the Soviet Union shed new light on one of the most controversial and influential figures of the century.

Biography - Mao Tse Tung: China's Peasant Emperor

For 25 years Mao Zedong ruled one quarter of the world's population. This is the extraordinary story of a farmer's son who became a God in his life time but in private never shook off his peasant roots; a man who presided over one of the most radical experiments in social reform ever seen in human history but who will be remembered as one of the bloodiest dictators of the twentieth century. This program--told through the accounts of those who have met and studied him, loved and loathed him--includes archive film and pictures going back to the very earliest days of Mao's life, as well as unique film of China at the turn of the century and during key episodes in Mao's communist revolution. It includes harrowing and eye-witness accounts of such momentous events as the cultural revolution, the Great Leap Forward and the most severe man-made famine ever recorded.

Biography - Genghis Khan (A&E DVD Archives)

At the height of his power his empire extended from the Pacific Ocean to the Persian Gulf. But while none question his military brilliance his abilities as a statesman and ruler are often overlooked.Genghis Khan was quite simply one of the most effective rulers in human history. He fashioned his nomadic armies into the greatest fighting force the world had ever seen and extended his empire to the furthest corners of Asia and into Europe in a series of brilliant and devastating campaigns. BIOGRAPHYR travels to Asia on the trail of the great conqueror and traces his exploits through extensive location footage expert testimony and period art and artifacts. Discover how his empire was so well controlled that a traveler could go from one end of it to the other in safety and relive the epic battles that secured his place among the greatest conquerors in history.From the plains of Mongolia to the pages of history this is the riveting story of Genghis Khan.System Requirements:Running Time 50 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. UPC: 733961728019 Manufacturer No: AAE-72801

Biography - Sitting Bull: Chief of the Lakota Nation

One of the last great leaders of the Native American Resistance, Sitting Bull earned his place in history with his stunning victory in the Battle at Little Bighorn-but his life encompassed much more than one battle. BIOGRAPHY® journeys back to the fading days of the Old West for a comprehensive history of the Sioux medicine man. Hear period accounts that narrate his many battles with early settlers and learn how he revised the Native American strategy and created more effective fighters. Discover how he masterminded the victory at Custer's Last Stand and trace the tragic last days of his life, from his position in Buffalo Bill's "Wild West Show" to his captivity and death. SITTING BULL: CHIEF OF THE LAKOTA NATION presents a moving and remarkable portrait of one of the last great Native American warriors. DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Biography - Peter the Great: The Tyrant Reformer

Towering over his people, he was a physical giant determined to shatter tradition and force his nation into the modern world. By the time Peter the Great was finished building cities and conquering nations, Russia had become a full-fledged empire. BIOGRAPHY® traces the story of this strange and enigmatic figure, from his childhood war games to the creation of one of the world's most beautiful cities. Peter established a navy, westernized the army, and brought science, culture, and medicine to Russia-yet he was also a ruthless and brutal leader, known for torturing and executing his own son. Learn of his bizarre interests-including dentistry and an "All Drinking Senate"-and witness Russia's vast expansion. Myriad interviews, extensive location footage, and period excerpts and art illuminate the world of PETER THE GREAT, the czar who forged an empire. DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Biography - Robert E. Lee

Arguably the greatest military commander of all time, his brilliance single-handedly kept the outnumbered and under-supplied Confederacy in the Civil War long after they should have been forced to surrender. The son of legendary Revolutionary War figure "Light Horse" Lee, Robert graduated at the top of his class and rose to the rank of colonel before the outbreak of the Civil War. BIOGRAPHY® traces his brilliant campaigns-still studied in military academies today-and reveals the personal tragedies that ultimately defeated the "Marble Man." Excerpts from his writings, testimonies from those who served and fought against him, and interviews with military experts, Civil War historians, and biographers offer intimate insight into the career and life of this remarkable man. ROBERT E. LEE offers a definitive portrait of the legendary and tragic figure at the heart of the Civil War. DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection