No comments about Biography - Jean Harlow.

2 comments about Biography: Charles Darwin - Evolution.

1. I watched this program on A&E several years ago and found it quite good. I wouldn't mind owning the video, better a DVD. However, I don't think A&E is any hurry to put DVDs together for their Bio series. One would hope the price of some of their VHS format would come down.



2. The debate between evolution and creationism still rages today, and Darwin is either hailed for his work or dismissed (and sometimes demonized) out of hand - indeed, I have myself heard preachers equate the theory of evolution with the idea that man descended from the apes, which is not what Darwin argued at all. While I have no problem incorporating the scientific fact of evolution into my own Christian beliefs, I am an exception; in Darwin's time, I would have been all alone in such thinking. Those who dismiss Darwin's theory and all of the evidence for it would be very well served by watching this fascinating look at his life - he struggled with the ideas of his theory more than any of us can hardly imagine.

   Darwin's intimidating father raised his children to be proper gentlemen and ladies, individuals who would fit in with the rather aristocratic circles of the Darwin family, and young Charles desperately wanted to please his father. As a child, he was fascinated by nature, and formal study never really engaged his mind - his lack of interest in Greek and Latin led to poor grades in school; his horror at the sight of an actual, pre-anesthesia surgery led to an early exit from medical school, but he did eventually attain a degree in theology thanks to his father's pushing. At the same time, he met an amateur botanist who re-inspired his love for nature, and just after graduation Darwin was lucky enough to claim the spot of naturalist on the HMS Beagle. It was not an easy task, as the relatively small ship embarked on a five-year round-the-world mission, the seas held much danger (the ship almost capsized going around Cape Horn), and Darwin was predisposed to terrible seasickness. And then, a year after setting sail, his girlfriend broke her promise to him and married another man. Darwin found wonder and joy on the lands he explored, however, and his germinating ideas about species change clicked into place once he arrived to study the flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands.

   He returned to England to great fanfare and respectability, and for the next twenty years he lived with the terrible secret of his theory of transmutation. To announce his theories would be to brand himself an outcast, pariah, and heretic; even his marriage to a deeply Christian woman would forever be impacted by his radical new ideas. An exceedingly sensitive soul, the secret double life Darwin would lead for the next twenty years did terrible damage to his health, making him a semi-invalid. The death of his oldest daughter Anne had a huge effect on him, and he then began working on a book about evolution and natural selection. Alfred Wallace expressed views similar to his at the time, so Darwin put all of his effort into publishing The Origin of Species and getting the credit rightfully due him for the controversial theory. There was a furor, and Darwin was much-maligned, caricatured, and rebuked. Still, he continued his work and continued to plead his case among the scientific elite; when The Descent of Man was published in 1871, the world had undergone a significant shift and his ideas, while certainly not accepted by all, were no longer ridiculed. His health restored and his respectability regained, Darwin had only to worry about the closeness of his marriage; it was his dying wish that he could be with his wife again some day, knowing she believed he would not be in heaven to join her.

   Many of Darwin's critics make it sound like he set out to overturn the very idea of God, but there was no rush to notoriety for this man. The very idea of publicizing his new theory caused him great suffering and pain for literally decades of his life. Even those who disagree with Darwin's theory will certainly learn to respect Charles Darwin once they examine the course of his life. He suffered greatly for many years out of a fear of his own ideas, and the final act of publicizing his controversial arguments in a world far from ready to accept them betrays an amazing degree of courage on his part. Creationists and Darwinists alike would benefit from watching this video.

2 comments about Biography - Colin Powell: A Soldier's Campaign.

1. this is an intelligent book written very nicely il iked it very much but sometimes i felt like i kdidn't understand it very well colin is a very smart man with star potential but he isn't the amn that i thought he was thatnk you



2. This video is a must for any political enthusiast! I, personally reccomend it! This video not only offer us an in-depth look into Colin Powell's astonishing military career, but offers us a glimpse into his private life as well! I was deeply moved by his confidence, to overcome racial barriers, to become one of the most prominent figures in politics today! He is definitely, without a doubt, an example of the "American Dream"!

2 comments about Biography - Paul Revere: The Midnight Rider.

1. All American children learn about the ýmidnight ride of Paul Revereý in elementary school. However, that event was only one of many things he did in the struggle that separated the American colonies from Great Britain. Furthermore, it did not really occur in the way that it is described in the famous poem, so this tape is a way to learn what really happened. He was originally a silversmith, and he used those skills to construct anti-British propaganda, which is still admired for the artistic expression today. Revere was also one of the Sons of Liberty and helped organize the famous Boston Tea Party.
   He rose to the rank of Colonel in the Continental army, although his military record is dubious, albeit somewhat unclear. It is highly likely that his most important contribution to the new nation was his role in manufacturing after the war was over. Like all colonies that gain independence, the newly freed colonies were lacking many of the economic assets that nations need, for they had previously been supplied by the colonial power. His business activity after the war helped provide some economic stability to the struggling new nation.
   Like so many people who are identified with one event, Revereýs life was far more interesting and historically significant than that event would indicate. I enjoyed this video, the re-creations with actors give it a reality that nothing else can provide. The depth of examination into his life beyond one event makes me hope that all school children view it so that they can see his many contributions to the fight for independence.



2. Paul Revere is one of our most honored heroes of the Revolution, but - as this video makes clear - the famous story of his midnight ride is a little less than accurate. The Paul Revere most of us know is basically a mythological hero, one who was borne from the pages of an 1861 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Just because the traditional story isn't true doesn't mean Paul Revere was not a great patriot, of course - he was, as viewers of this video will learn.

   Economic self-interest seemed to play a role in Revere's Revolutionary ardor, but no one can question his commitment to the cause. As English taxes began to hurt his smithing business, Revere turned to additional means to support his growing family - he learned dentistry (and even made false teeth), and he also practiced the art of engraving. In fact, many of his propagandistic engravings played an important role in the buildup of popular support in Boston for the inevitable Revolutionary War (although he was known to copy the work of others). In the months and years leading up to the outbreak of war, Revere joined a number of secret societies and organized what was essentially a spy network of artisans and men of the working class. He also became an important courier for the Patriot cause. Revere himself, while rather successful in business, was not of the upper class - and this helps explain why history tells us little of him in the years following his famous ride.

   On the night of April 18, 1775, Revere did indeed ride out on horseback to spread the word of British troops on the move, but he was only one of many such "midnight riders." The lights in the church tower were actually meant to inform those in the distance in case Revere was unable to get through and deliver his message. He did alert farmers and villagers along the way, but he would not have said "The British are coming" because, as one historian explains, he and all the Revolutionaries were themselves British. Before reaching Lexington, Revere was actually captured by a couple of redcoats, but he basically bluffed his way to freedom (although he did lose his horse) and was there in Lexington to hear "the shot fired round the world."

   You really never hear of Paul Revere after that momentous April night in 1775; it's a mixed story. His middle class status denied him the privilege of serving as an officer in the war, but he did help lead one significant mission, the largest amphibious assault of the war - it was, to put it lightly a disaster, and Revere ended up being accused of insubordination and cowardice. He fought for the right to a court-martial hearing and was eventually acquitted of all charges. After that, he basically built up his business, expanded into a number of new industries, and died a rather wealthy man at the age of 83.

   We might never have heard of Paul Revere had not Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized him in poetic form, but he was an important Patriot in the fight for American independence. As a man who in many ways represented the artisan and lower classes, his life is a conduit to the thoughts and deeds of many an unsung hero of the Revolution. Personally, I have no problem with perpetuating the myth of the midnight ride, but getting to know the real Paul Revere is also an instructional privilege.

2 comments about Biography - Jayne Mansfield.

1. I first saw this documentary on A&E and was excited that a program decided to FINALLY pay homage to an almost forgotten and overlooked star of Hollywood. I grew up in the 1950's and I never even knew much about Jayne Mansfield. Most of the time she was immediately linked to Marilyn Monroe as sort of a copycat. Jayne held her own and her story was inspiring for those who want to achieve a goal that seems impossible. However, her life took some unexpected turns , but she always stayed a trooper to her popularity. This documentary chronicles her rise and fall on the Hollywood scene like no other program concerning a star that remains a legacy. I became an instant fan and have remained one since. Her talent didn't always lay in film, but she was a wonderful comic actress on television and for the troops during Bob Hope's U.S.O. tours. I encourage anyone to see this video and you won't be sorry for the choice made. Watch it and this bio. will amaze you about the Blonde Bombshell that could have been more. Thank you A&E and Amazon.



2. I agree with Sandra Preston's review of this movie, but can only give it 3 stars due to the quality of the picture (5 stars for content, 1 star for picture quality). The color is all washed out, and some of the color scenes you can hardly tell are in color. This surprised me since generally speaking, A&E does a superb job on the quality of the production.

1 comments about Biography - Alan Alda.

1. Alan Alda is a genius actor in both movies and TV best known for his role in the long running series Mash.This A&E Biography finely illustrates his life and career.It's a must see video especially for Alan Alda fans!!

1 comments about Biography - Gloria Swanson.

1. Gloria Swanson was truly one of the greatest actresses of all time especially during the silent era.It's unfortunate though,that her reknowned movie,Stagestruck filmed in New Martinsville West Virginia back in 1925 has never been released on vhs or dvd.Distributors take note!!!Gloria,we all love and miss you!!!!

No comments about Biography - George Custer.

1 comments about Biography - Moses.

1. I loved this video. Biography looks at the "historical Noah" as I call it. In other words, they dont just say "Noah was real because in Genesis it says so"...Rather, there are collections of ancient writings in Babylon, Egypt, and Mesopotamia all used to show that in every culture during the Middle-Late Bronze Age there was a flood story. Every culture has some story about how their deity flooded the world, save one man, his family and various forms of life. Is Noah a mythical figure or a historical figure? Or maybe a combination of both? Thats what this video takes a look at. Now, for those who are not sure of their faith may get upset toward this video as it does call Noah a "religious myth" according to some scholars. However, if you have strong faith in whatever you believe and you are constantly looking for more information, then this is the video for you.

1 comments about Biography - Sonja Henie.

1. When I was a kid my mom had one great pair of roller skates that she kept in a shiny metal box in the closet. Her idol had been Sonja Henie. I grew up hearing the name but didn't know much about her. This video makes clear her skating ability, business acumen and unique charisma.

   Although Henie's technical skating accomplishments have been surpassed, no one has yet been able to match her competetive record: 3 Olympic and 10 world championships. She was responsible for many innovations that have led to modern figure skating: shorter skating dresses which allowed greater freedom and athleticism by women skaters, the technology used for indoor ice which is still currently used, and the very notion of figure skating as spectacle with her hugely successful traveling ice shows and film career.

   This video is also the tale of an independent woman who was determined to do things her own way. Sonja had chutzpuh that allowed her to make outrageous demands and the talent to be met on her terms. Her life is an amazing story of ambition, success and search for happiness. Told through film clips, stills and interviews with friends, this video presents a well-rounded look at the woman who inspired America to skate.