Brooklyn Bridge

Starring:Paul Roebling, Julie Harris, Arthur Miller, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Richard Pini (II), Fred Sherry (II), Austin Stevens, Richard Rescia, David McCullough (II), Mel Blanc
Director: Ken Burns
Studio: Pbs Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Great
inspiring documentary
Good. Dated, but good.
Mediocre early effort from a great documentarian.
Skip the movie. Go to Brooklyn for the real thing.

Ken Burns America Collection - Brooklyn Bridge
Director: Ken Burns
Manufacturer: Pbs Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Ken Burns's America: The Statue of Liberty
Modern Marvels - Brooklyn Bridge (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
A Picture History of the Brooklyn Bridge
Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio
Great Bridge : The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge

ASIN: B000BITUFW
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2006-07-04

I watched this a few weeks before a trip to NY and couln't wait to go after watching. It goes over all the interesting details about it being built. Nice documentary.

inspiring documentary.......2004-09-24

this review is based on my recollection of the original PBS broadcast, which I remember as being in 1983; the 100th anniversary of the opening of the bridge. if this is slightly inaccurate, so be the rest of the review.

as a mid-westerner with no experience in new york, I found the Burn's interpretation of events compelling. i was studying for my engineering degree at the time and had worked in civil projects up to that point. i was stunned to learn that the plans were mostly pictures and contained little written language. i saw for the first time how the suspension structure was actually achieved. and i understood for the first time what a marvel the erection of the bridge represented in its time. i continue to marvel, today, at the functionality of the structure. I have not seen the documentary except for the one time. i do remember the section of interviews with the bridge's contemporary cohabitants. i thought that was as important and revealing as the function of the bridge today. the film has left such an impression on me that I intend to buy a copy and share it with anyone showing the fainest interest.

Good. Dated, but good........2004-09-02

While Ken Burns was getting his feet wet in the documentary film industry, he created this hour-long tidbit on the BROOKLYN BRIDGE. Relying on David McCullough's wonderful book, "THE GREAT BRIDGE" (see my review), Burns deftly takes the viewer down the long arduous road the builders and engineers had to take--over fourteen years--to get the bridge off the drawing board and into the East River.

The names of the protagonists and antagonist who either supported or stole from the coffers of the Brooklyn Bridge are familiar: John Roebling, Washington and Emily Roebling, Henry Cruse Murphy, William Kingsley, Boss Tweed, etc. And it's the story of these men and women--and their respective intrigues--that keep the film moving, as do the photographs of the various stages in the bridge's rise. Burns does a great job in keeping a liveliness to this aspect of the story. Then, in typical late 70s/early 80s fashion, the director turns his camera to the people of his time to get their impressions of the bridge. A common, though somewhat effective, technique to move from the historical elements of the subject, and show its relevance to "today's" world. It is an annoying and dated technique but it didn't bother me as much as it did some other reviewers. This is still a solid documentary--as solid as the bridge itself.

Rocco Dormarunno
Author of The Five Points

Mediocre early effort from a great documentarian........2000-05-21

Although parts of "Brooklyn Bridge" hint at the excellent work Ken Burns would demonstrate in later works, this particular film falters in its last twenty minutes.

The Brooklyn Bridge is many stories, but it's mainly the tale of how perseverance can make an almost impossible vision take form. The Bridge took many years and several million dollars to build. It faced political and social opposition. It weathered scandals and corruption. And when it was over, it stood as a monument to mechanical brilliance and soulful aspirations. Burns only spends forty minutes on the story of theBridge's construction. He spends the last twenty minutes focusing on what the Bridge means to various scholars, poets and citizens, and this is where the film lags. Admittedly, the Bridge is important as a cultural icon, not just for New York, but for America. However, if Burns was going to devote this much time to testimonials, then the film should have been at least ninety minutes, or better yet, two hours.

When the film concentrates on the Bridge's construction it shines. Burn has carefully selected photos, drawings, contemporary newspaper accounts and personal journals of key participants in the Bridge's construction to vibrantly tell this story. He just should have spent more time on his subject. The pace of this documentary is so hurried and awkward, you can tell where Burns is skipping key parts of the history to get to the testimonials. Now that Burns is an accomplished film maker, I wish he would go back to this subject and try it again. There's still more to tell.

Skip the movie. Go to Brooklyn for the real thing........2000-01-12

For anyone who read David McCullough's excellent book, The Great Bridge, this film will be a disappointment. Obviously, there is only so much one can fit into an hour segment, but Burns could have done with more history and less noodling commentary from people on "what the bridge means to me." Unlike his excellent "The Civil War," "The Brooklyn Bridge" does not let the pictures and events speak for themselves.

Pop Legends Live: Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge

Average customer rating:

Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge
What a treat!
Johnny Maestro & Brooklyn Bridge
enjoyable concert
Like an aged wine

Pop Legends Live: Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge
Starring: Johnny Maestro & Brooklyn Bridge
Manufacturer: Standing Room Only
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

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Live in Concert
Doo-Wop: Vocal Group Greats Live, Vol. 1
Rock and Roll at 50
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Magic Moments - The Best of '50s Pop

ASIN: B0007CILJS
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Description

The story of Johnny Maestro and The Brooklyn Bridge is one that can be traced back to rock n roll's inception in the1950's. As a front man for The Crests, Johnny Maestro had his first big hit with the record Sixteen Candles. Johnny then worked with the Del-Satins in the mid 60s before teaming up with members of the Rhythm Method to form The Brooklyn Bridge. With Johnny Maestro as their lead singer, The Brooklyn Bridge released its debut album in 1969, scoring a top five hit and a gold record with the Jimmy Webb composition The Worst that Could Happen. By 1972, the Brooklyn Bridge had sold over 10 million records and established Johnny Maestro as one of the premier vocal talents of the era. As part of the Pop Legends Live concert series, Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge take to the stage to perform all of their greatest hits and many other classics. As an added feature, the Pop Legends Live series also takes you backstage for rare behind-the-scenes interviews with Johnny and the group. Program includes Trouble in Paradise, The Angels Listened In, Gee, My Juanita, Blessed Is The Rain, Ruby Baby, Runaround Sue, The Wanderer, Ruby Baby (reprise), Step By Step, 16 Candles, Welcome Me Love, Unchained Melody, Your Husband My Wife, Lonely Teardrops, The Worst That Could Happen, You'll Never Walk Alone.

Customer Reviews:

Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge.......2007-05-07

If you liked the Crests, you'll love this dvd. Great sound and a good picture. Johnny sounds better then ever.

What a treat!.......2007-04-27

Johnny Maestro and The Brooklyn Bridge deliver a solid concert performance. I have watched this DVD many, many times, and I enjoy it just as much as the first time. I do agree with an earlier review that the interview segments should have been separate from the concert. However, listening to Johnny Maestro's incredible vocals is wonderful in any context. There is a richness to his voice that the years have only made better. Great singer, great band, great songs.

Johnny Maestro & Brooklyn Bridge.......2007-01-22

I received my CD quickly and I am pleased with the product.

enjoyable concert.......2006-04-02

Johnny Maestro has a wonderful voice. This concert DVD is very entertaining and the behind the scene interviews by the group make it very interesting. It is very refreshing to see this group perform. They sing their #1 hits. They really enjoy singing and dancing and putting on the best show. Anyone who is a fan of Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge will get lots of pleasure out of this DVD.

Like an aged wine.......2006-03-01

Some voices mellow through the years and assume a timber which belies the ravages of time. So it is with Johnny and the Bridge. Sounding in great voice, the boys re-visit many of their tunes from days passed by and make you glad that they did. With inter-spaced interviews between songs, the concert speaks for itself as it glides through the musical years on a sled of glass. If you enjoyed them then, you will enjoy them now. A must buy for fans who have been running the course for years, and those who are just joining in. A great concert by an ongoing class act.

New York City NY - 45 Very Early Films From 1898-1905 on DVD

Average customer rating:

Fascinating glimpse into the past
Too bad its a bootleg.
disappointing
Full list of films on this DVD

New York City NY - 45 Very Early Films From 1898-1905 on DVD

Manufacturer: www.yumheart.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Classic New York City State NYC NY Films DVD
Ellis Island
1930s - 1940s New York City Film Collection DVD - NYC, Greenwich Village, Coney Island, NBC and More
Remembering Ellis Island
1939 New York NY World's Fair Expo Movies - 2 DVD Set Worlds Fair

Product Features:

Rare Late 19th and Early 20th Century New York City Films
Good Quality transfers to Digital DVD Format
DVD Menu system to navigate the films
DVD will play in ALL regions - it is region free.

ASIN: B000KI0ZMK

Product Description

New York City films from the late 1800's to the early 1900's Titles on this disc: * 1 Arrival of emigrants Ellis Island 1906 * 2 At the foot of the Flatiron 1903 * 3 Automobile parade 1900 * 4 Bargain day, 14th Street 1905 * 5 Beginning of a skyscraper 1902 * 6 Broadway & Union Square, New York 1903 * 7 Buffalo Bill's wild west parade 1902 * 8 Delivering newspapers 1903 * 9 Departure of Peary on the Roosevelt 1905 * 10 Elevated railroad, New York 1903 * 11 Emigrants landing at Ellis Island 1903 * 12 Excavating for a New York foundation 1903 * 13 Fireboat "New Yorker" in action 1903 * 14 Funeral of Hiram Cronk 1905 * 15 Interior N.Y. subway, 14th St. to 42nd 1905 * 16 Lower Broadway 1903 * 17 Move on 1903 * 18 N.Y. Fire Department returning 1903 * 19 New York City "ghetto" fish market 1903 * 20 New York City dumping wharf 1903 * 21 New York Harbor Police boat Patrol capturing pirates 1903 * 22 New York police parade, June 1st,1899 * 23 Opening of new East River bridge, New York 1903 * 24 Opening the Williamsburg Bridge 1904 * 25 Panorama from the tower of Brooklyn Bridge 1903 * 26 Panorama from Times Building, New York 1905 * 27 Panorama of Blackwell's Island, N.Y. 1903 * 28 Panorama of Flatiron Building 1903 * 29 Panorama of Riker's Island, N.Y. 1903 * 30 Panorama water front and Brooklyn Bridge from East River 1903 * 31 Parade of "exempt" firemen 1903 * 32 Parade of horses on Speedway 1903 * 33 Pennsylvania Tunnel excavation 1905 * 34 A perilous proceeding 1902 * 35 Pilot boats in New York harbor 1899 * 36 Skating on lake, Central Park 1902 * 37 The skyscrapers of New York 1906 * 38 Skyscrapers of New York City, from the North River 1903 * 39 Sleighing scene 1898 * 40 Sorting refuse at incinerating plant, New York City 1903 * 41 Star Theatre 1902 * 42 Statue of Liberty 1898 * 43 A street Arab 1898 * 44 What happened on Twenty-third Street 1901 * 45 White Wings on review 1903

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating glimpse into the past.......2007-06-07

First of all--

VERY EARLY NEW YORK NY FILMS (the correct title) is NOT a bootleg DVD. It is clearly a privately manufactured item that contains some historically significant public domain film clips. The DVD is nicely packaged in a slimline case that includes three pages of notes (reproduced here under yumheart's review). The quality of the recording is fine. There's menus for easy access to all 45 movies and professional-looking title cards that identify each film.

This isn't scripted cinema as we've come to know it. The primary attraction of these one and two minute vignettes for contemporary viewers was the photographed MOTION itself-- still a novelty at the turn of the 20th century. But for us, here's a wonderful way to see life as it existed over a hundred years ago.

Viewing condition (unless otherwise noted in the following list) is good to fine. That alone is quite remarkable for such ancient and perishible silver nitrate stock. Most importantly, these are all shown in real time-- movement seems natural, not hurried as silents so often appear. No jangly and meandering piano is overdubbed-- in fact, there's no sound at all. Another plus.

PROGRAM NOTES--
ARRIVAL OF EMIGRANTS - ELLIS ISLAND (1906)
Powerful, if limited in action. Hopeful newcomers to America carry in arms and on backs as much as they could manage to bring with them from Europe. They are directed into lines by Immigration officials. Their sheer numbers would change the face of NYC forever.

AT THE FOOT OF THE FLATIRON (1903)
Pedestrians buffeted by wind grasp hats to heads. One jaunty man doffs his derby for the camera as he passes by. An excellent vignette.

AUTOMOBILE PARADE (1900)
Taken from a paper reference print, this short suffers from the grainy blurriness caused by the deterioration of that medium over time. The unique vehicles are compelling, nonetheless.

BARGAIN DAY, 14th ST. NYC (1905)
An indistinguishable throng slowly shuffles in front of Rothschild's five-and-dime. Not much to see here.

BEGINNING OF A SKYSCRAPER (1902)
Workmen in a pit that will one day be a tall building. Steam rises in the background, while closer to the camera, men with giant hammers break rock.

BROADWAY & UNION SQUARE NYC (1903)
Electric streetcars stop opposite each other. Passengers disembark or board.

BUFFALO BILL'S WILD WEST PARADE (1902)
Disappointing blurry paper print. Lots of feathered Indians and cops on horseback. A stagecoach hurries by. More Indians and uniformed men on white horses parade, but where is Bill? Young boys run excitedly alongside.

DELIVERING NEWSPAPERS (1903)
Newsboys await the arrival of a NEW YORK WORLD delivery truck. As the horse-drawn vehicle pulls into view, pushing and shoving ensues. Two boys fistfight in foreground as clip ends.

DEPARTURE OF PEARY (and the) "ROOSEVELT" FROM NY (1905)
Film is sharp, but boring. Ladies in ornate headwear and shirt-sleeved men in straw hats board ship. Clearly a hot day.

ELEVATED RAILROAD NY (1903)
Watery images filled with blots and flaws reveal little of city skyline.

EMIGRANTS LANDING AT ELLIS ISLAND (1903)
A double-decked "MYER'S EXCURSIONS" boat teeming with humanity docks. The passengers are a mixture of middle-class and peasant.

EXCAVATING FOR A NEW YORK FOUNDATION (1903)
Day laborers shovel dirt into a nearby cart. A fully loaded canvas-covered wagon is hoisted out of the pit by a crane.

FIREBOAT "NEW YORKER" IN ACTION (1903)
Water-throwing demonstration by a newly acquired weapon against fire.

FUNERAL OF HIRAM CRONK (1905)
A remarkable but somber procession includes some Spansh-American and Civil War veterans, all in full uniform. The latter are the most interesting of all. Great film clip.

INTERIOR OF NY SUBWAY (1905)
Rear of a moving train as seen from a closely following one. The newly opened subway was a turn-of-the-century engineering marvel.

LOWER BROADWAY (1903)
Horse-drawn carts cross paths with electric trollys (the old vs. the new). An enormous crowd fills the sidewalks. Highly evocative film.

MOVE ON (1903)
Fruit & vegetable sellers conduct sidewalk business, while pushcart peddlers of all variety pass by. A cop comes along and sternly lectures the two produce men to "keep moving." The officer's demeanor suggests that this was probably not the first time he'd told them that.

NY FIRE DEPT. RETURNING (1903)
Teams of spirited horses pull ladder wagons and steaming engines as "New York's Bravest" return from a conflagration.

NYC "GHETTO" FISH MARKET (1903)
Save for the clothing, this could be an open-air market of any era. Graffiti, not a modern invention, may be seen on a far wall.

NYC DUMPING WHARF (1903)
Several men armed with rakes stand atop a heaping garbage scow, while cartloads of refuse are dumped almost on top of them. Clouds of foulness rise up around these poor creatures.

NY HARBOR POLICE CAPTURING PIRATES (1903)
Slow-moving, considering the event. A rowboat overtaken by authorities. The rowers surrender peaceably.

NY POLICE PARADE June 1st, 1899
Officers in tall, rounded helmets that are topped with decorative knobs march in double-rows, ten across. When a large gap between paraders occurs, jaywalkers scurry across the street from both directions. None of the cops pay them any mind.

OPENING OF NEW EAST RIVER BRIDGE NY (1903)
The mayor trails a flag bearer carrying a banner that proclaims his presence. He is accompanied and followed by dozens of city officials, all in top hat or bowler and great coats.

OPENING THE WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGE (1904)
It looks like the same procession! Here's His Honor again, traipsing behind that "MAYOR" flag, along with political cronies. The older men look very much like the cartoon millionaire from the MONOPOLY board game, with their 19th century mustaches and top hats.

PANORAMA FROM A BROOKLYN BRIDGE TOWER (1903)
Pans quickly and is too blurry to really see anything beyond motion and the bridge's supporting columns, which appear halfway through the clip.

PANORAMA FROM TIMES BUILDING (1905)
Much better film. We can clearly make out the old Hippodrome, Times Square and rowhouse buildings within view of the newly-opened Times offices.

PANORAMA OF BLACKWELL'S ISLAND (1903)
Panning reveals waterfront homes, construction sites and undeveloped lots.

PANORAMA OF FLATIRON BUILDING (1903)
These sweeping shots were apparently a popular film topic. Street traffic dominates, then a view of the unusually thin skyscraper.

PANORAMA OF RIKER'S ISLAND (1903)
Filmed prior to the prison's construction. Panoramic films tend to be a bit dull ("Hey... I can see my great-grandfather's house from here!")

PANORAMA: WATERFRONT AND BROOKLYN BRIDGE FROM EAST RIVER (1903)
See above. (At least there's more here to look at as it quickly passes by.)

PARADE OF "EXEMPT" FIREMEN (1903)
Or, "The Parade of the Wooden Firemen." Retired firefighters totter along.

PARADE OF HORSES ON SPEEDWAY (1903)
Slow crawling "speedway" procession of horse-drawn open carriages.

PENNSYLVANIA TUNNEL EXCAVATION (1905)
Too-dark film of trains passing a construction site. All the excitement of a hole in the ground.

A PERILOUS PROCEEDING (1902)
Almost a dozen men ride a small crane platform from on-high and down to the street.

PILOT BOATS IN NY HARBOR (1899)
Sloops and steamers pass by. Film has spot damage.

SKATING ON LAKE, CENTRAL PARK (1902)
Grainy footage of the timeless pursuit of wintertime fun-- frolicking on ice.

SKYSCRAPERS OF NY (Parts 1 - 3) (1906/1903/1903)
By modern standards, mostly modest-sized buildings. Bricklayers and ironworkers perform jobs little-changed over 100 years. Part 2 is a fictional account of "Dago Pete's" firing, revenge and just rewards. Pete fights with his boss and is sacked. He plants stolen goods in the foreman's home. Later, Pete grapples with a contractor on open beams. His opponent slips over the edge but is rescued. In the last scene, Pete is in court testifying against the wrongfully accused foreman. Pete's duplicity is ultimately revealed by a young girl who witnessed his attempt to frame the man.
Following this is another stultified cityscape panorama which may be of some interest to architectural historians.

SLEIGHING SCENE (1898)
A blurry Christmas card of sleighs moving away from the camera on a snow-covered path.

SORTING REFUSE AT AN INCINERATING PLANT NYC (1903)
Ragpickers cull through castoff clothing destined for burning.

STAR THEATRE (1902)
Engaging time lapse photography of a multistory building's disassembly by hand. Well done!

STATUE OF LIBERTY (1898)
A clear copy of an Edison studios film of the Lady in the Harbor has uncharacteristically little movement to it.

A STREET ARAB (1898)
Amazing footage of a young boy who performs back-breaking twists and turns.

WHAT HAPPENED ON 23rd ST. NYC (1901)
A lady's ground-length skirt blows up in the air, revealing her well-turned ankles. Scandalous!

WHITE WINGS ON REVIEW (1903)
Hundreds of street sweepers in spotless white uniforms march past litter and horse doovers.

Too bad its a bootleg........2007-04-27

As someone else noted this is a very poor quality bootleg dvd with no soundtrack and no sub titles. Although I truly enjoyed some of the historic images, however, if this dvd cost an extra 5or6 bucks and had some sort of ryme or reason it would've made a big difference. I'm into vintage films so quite a few images I've seen before (the lady who has her dress blow up for example) but on the whole I'm glad I've got it in my collection for the automobile parade alone, showing all these way out designs that people were experementing with.
The 3 stars are due to the fact that there is a poor quality and NO EXPLANATION OF ANYTHING! QUITE WILLY NILLY! But oh do I love the era so. If your a true fan of old films you too can overlook this.

disappointing.......2007-03-17

Interesting film footage,but with problems.First off this is not a factory manufactured dvd,it is a bootleg dvd-r(This may be why the picture quality is so poor)There is also no music.

Full list of films on this DVD.......2006-11-24

1 Arrival of emigrants [i.e. immigrants], Ellis Island /1906
Depicts scenes at the Immigration Depot and a nearby dock on Ellis Island. Appears to show, first, a group of immigrants lined up to board a vessel leaving the island, then another group arriving at the island and being directed off of the dock and into the Depot by a uniformed official.

2 At the foot of the Flatiron /1903
This street level view is of the Broadway side of the Flatiron, or Fuller Building, near the narrow north corner. Filmed on a very windy day, pedestrians of various descriptions are seen passing by the camera, clutching hats and skirts against the wind. According to some New York City historians, this corner was known as the windiest corner of the city, and in the era of the long skirt, standing on it was considered a good vantage point for a glimpse of a lady's ankle. Policemen would chase away such loungers from the 23rd Street corner, giving rise to the expression "twenty-three skidoo."

3 Automobile parade /1900
This may be the first annual automobile parade, held on November 4, 1899 in downtown Manhattan. At least ten different makes and models are seen, including electric and steam powered machines. Only three years earlier, in 1896, Henry Ford, Charles Brady King, Alexander Winton and Ransom Eli Olds had each introduced their gasoline cars. In 1900, the first National Auto Show was held at Madison Square Garden and the favorites were the electrics and the steamers. In 1901, new oil fields in Texas made gasoline affordable. That same year, mass production techniques were introduced into car manufacturing. These two factors would prove to be key developments in the rapid growth of the American automobile industry.

4 Bargain day, 14th Street, New York /1905
The film shows hundreds of tightly packed people crowding into the front door of the Rothschild Co. 5 and 10 cent store. They are so closely packed it is difficult to tell one from another. The view is from across the street, looking down from the 2nd floor.

5 Beginning of a skyscraper /1902
The scene is an excavation site in New York City. A large group of workmen with picks and shovels are digging. Carts drawn by pairs of horses can be seen emerging from the smoke in the background. from a contemporary American Mutoscope and Biograph Company catalog: Starting a Skyscraper--New York--26 feet. Taken in the immense excavation for the foundation of the new Macy Building at the corner of Broadway and 34th Street, New York. An excellent study of modern American push and enterprise.

6 Broadway & Union Square, New York /1903
This short film shows two horse-drawn streetcars, one approaching the camera and the other heading away. Passengers can be seen boarding and getting off of the crowded cars.

7 Buffalo Bill's wild west parade /1902
The film shows a parade down Fifth Avenue, New York. In the foreground many children, both black and white, can be seen following alongside the parade. The participants in the parade include cowboys, Indians, and soldiers in the uniform of the United States Cavalry on horseback and riding horse-drawn coaches. Buffalo Bill can be seen on horseback, lifting his hat to the crowd [Frame: 1397].

8 Delivering newspapers /1903
The film shows a group of about fifty preadolescent boys running and crowding around a one-horse paneled newspaper van that pulls up in the foreground of the picture. On the side of the van is a sign reading "New York World." As they gather around the rear of the vehicle, a fight breaks out between two of the boys. The film ends as the crowd forms around the two fighters. Probably filmed at Union Square.

9 Departure of Peary [and the] "Roosevelt" from New York /1905
The camera pans to show the schooner "Roosevelt" docked at a covered pier on the Hudson River on Manhattan's west side. Then, from a camera position on board, men in straw hats and fashionably dressed ladies are seen boarding the ship. Next, the famous polar explorer Robert Peary appears on the gangway in a dark jacket, mustache and straw hat [Frame: 4552]. He tips his hat, consults his watch, then, just before the film ends, motions to order the departure. On this expedition he achieved the "farthest north" record, but failed to reach the North Pole. Completed only four months prior to this film, the "Roosevelt" was specially designed to withstand Arctic ice. She was 184 feet long, 35 and a half feet wide, with a hull over two and a half feet thick. Fully loaded the ship weighed 1,500 tons while drawing only 16.2 feet. In addition to sail power, the ship was driven by a 1000 horsepower steam engine, which could produce short bursts of even greater power to get the ship through thick ice. The "Roosevelt" served Peary on this expedition as well as the following one in 1908-1909. Sold numerous times to a variety of commercial concerns, the "Roosevelt" was abandoned to the elements on a mud flat in Cristobal, Panama in 1937, where she eventually rotted away.

10 Elevated railroad, New York /1903
The film was photographed from the front platform of a train traveling over elevated tracks in New York City. Although many of the buildings alongside the tracks can be seen, it is difficult to determine the exact location of the scene.

11 Emigrants [i.e. immigrants] landing at Ellis Island /1903
The film opens with a view of the steam ferryboat "William Myers," laden with passengers, approaching a dock at the Ellis Island Immigration Station. The vessel is docked, the gangway is placed, and the immigrant passengers are seen coming up the gangway and onto the dock, where they cross in front of the camera.

12 Excavating for a New York foundation /1903
The scene is an excavation pit at an unidentified New York City construction site. A crew of six men can be seen shoveling dirt into a four-wheeled wooden cart. Then a full cart is slowly lifted out of the pit to street level by a steam-powered crane. These carts are similar in design to those shown dumping rubble at the end of the film New York City Dumping Wharf. Advertisements and campaign posters can be seen on the exposed wall of the building in the background.

13 [Fireboat "New Yorker" in action--excerpts] /1903
This excerpt shows a demonstration by the famous fireboat "New Yorker." The picture shows the fireboat with all its nozzles spurting water as it goes back and forth in front of the camera. Put in service on February 1, 1891 as Engine Company 57, the "New Yorker" was stationed at the Battery near Castle Garden, where her crew lived aboard. She was 125 feet long, 25 feet abeam, with a tonnage of 243. The 800 horsepower triple expansion engine turned a single screw. With a total capacity of 13,000 gallons per minute from its Clapp & Jones and La France fire pumps, the "New Yorker" was the most powerful fireboat in the world. When Admiral Dewey came to New York with the flagship "Olympia" after the battle of Manilla Bay, the "New Yorker" led the water parade of hundreds of craft. Built at a cost of $98,250, the "New Yorker" remained in service until 1931.

14 Funeral of Hiram Cronk /1905
The film shows a city thoroughfare lined with crowds of people watching a military parade. The first group to come into view is a marching band [Frame: 0120], then a large formation of soldiers in the uniform of Rough Riders [0720]. Following them is a hearse drawn by four black horses, escorted by veterans of the Civil War [2742], and horse-drawn open carriages. The camera position shifts and most of the paraders can be seen for a second time: the band [3692], the hearse [5610], and the Civil War veterans [6000]. Hiram Cronk, a veteran of the War of 1812, died at the age of 105. He was thought to be the last surviving veteran of that war.

15 Interior N.Y. subway, 14th St. to 42nd St. /1905
The camera platform was on the front of a New York subway train following another train on the same track. Lighting is provided by a specially constructed work car on a parallel track. At the time of filming, the subway was only seven months old, having opened on October 27, 1904. The ride begins at 14th Street (Union Square) following the route of today's east side IRT, and ends at the old Grand Central Station, built by Cornelius Vanderbuilt in 1869. The Grand Central Station in use today was not completed until 1913.

16 Lower Broadway /1903
The film shows a view which appears to be looking north on Broadway at the intersection of either Wall Street, in front of Trinity Church, or Vesey Street at St. Paul's Chapel. The sidewalk along Broadway is crowded with people, and the traffic in both streets is very heavy. A horse-drawn streetcar passes in front of the camera [Frame: 2814], with a sign giving its destination as the "Courtland and Fulton Street Ferry."

17 Move on /1903
Filmed in New York's Lower East Side, the scene is a street where several pushcart vendors have gathered to sell their goods. In the foreground are fruit and vegetable carts. An elevated railroad track crosses over the street in the background. As the film progresses, two policemen can be seen heading up the street toward the camera and ordering all of the vendors to move. One of the policemen approaches the camera waving his nightstick, and the cart in the foreground begins moving. The film ends with a closeup of the policeman scolding the vendor.

18 N.Y. Fire Department returning /1903
Shot at an unidentified location in New York City, the film shows several pieces of horse-drawn fire vehicles in motion: two hook-and-ladders [Frame: 0114, 0905]; two steam pumpers [0373, 1111]; a rescue wagon [0549]. Note the kids hanging on the back of some of the vehicle

19 New York City "ghetto" fish market /1903
The view, photographed from an elevated camera position, looks down on a very crowded New York City street market. Rows of pushcarts and street vendors' vehicles can be seen. The precise location is difficult to ascertain, but it is certainly on the Lower East Side, probably on or near Hester Street, which at the turn of the century was the center of commerce for New York's Jewish ghetto. Located south of Houston Street and east of the Bowery, the ghetto population was predominantly Russian, but included immigrants from Austria, Germany, Rumania and Turkey. According to a description in a 1901 newspaper, an estimated 1,500 pushcart peddlers were licensed to sell wares (primarily fish) in the vicinity of Hester Street. At one point the film seems to follow three official looking men (one in a uniform) as they walk among the crowd. They may be New York City health inspectors, who apparently monitored the fish vendors closely.

20 New York City dumping wharf /1903
The film shows a wharf where a barge is being loaded with trash from two-wheeled, horse-drawn wagons. The trash is dumped off the edge of the pier onto the barge, where men with shovels are spreading the piles of debris. The camera pans left to the next barge, where four-wheeled carts are shown dumping excavation rubble. Probably filmed on the East River, this is one of several New York City Sanitation Department dumping wharves in operation at the time.

21 New York Harbor Police boat Patrol capturing pirates /1903
This was probably filmed in the southern part of the Upper New York Bay looking towards the Narrows, with Fort Lafayette partly visible in the far background. The subject is a simulated capture by the police gunboat "Patrol" of three "pirates" in a rowboat. Puffs of smoke appear as the gunboat fires several rounds from the bow cannon, which can be clearly seen later in a side view of the boat [Frame: 3642]. The "Patrol" was a steel, twin screw, 135 foot, 118 ton police boat, built in 1893 at Sparrow's Point, Maryland.

22 New York police parade, June 1st, 1899
The film shows members of "New York's Finest" parading at a crowded Union Square. There are members of the Bicycle Squad [Frame: 0396], mounted horses [0612], and two regimental marching bands [2518, 3456]. At the time of filming, the New York City Police Department was still recovering from the corruption scandals of the early 1890's that had severely tarnished the reputation of the department. A State Senate appointed group known as the Lexow Committee investigated the department and issued a scathing report that detailed serious criminal activity within the department. In 1895, public opinion was so low that the annual parade wasn't held. That same year, Theodore Roosevelt was appointed president of the Police Board, and he is credited with initiating strict and effective reform measures that helped restore the public's confidence in the police.

23 Opening of new East River bridge, New York /1903 The first view is from the roadway of the Williamsburg Bridge on the day of the opening. Close-ups of the parading dignitaries and members of the press [Frame: 0345] are seen. From another camera position, taken over the heads of the crowd, buildings around the waterfront are seen, and the dignitaries, led by a standard bearer again pass the camera. The banner reads "MAYOR." Next, a covered platform, draped in flag bunting is shown, where the people previously seen have gone to begin the ceremonies. There is a brass band playing in front of the platform [4910]. Next, an unidentified speaker, probably Mayor Seth Low, can be seen addressing the crowd.

24 Opening the Williamsburg Bridge /1904
The film was shot on the roadway of the newly constructed Williamsburg Bridge. The first people to come into view are press photographers carrying large wooden "box" cameras [Frame: 0690]. Next, a parade of dignitaries and military representatives, accompanied by members of the press [1310], is photographed passing the camera position led by a standard bearer whose banner reads "MAYOR" [0902]. The mayor of New York was Seth Low, a lame-duck at the time of filming, having been defeated in November, 1903 by George B. McClellan. The Williamsburg Bridge, a combined cantilever and suspension bridge, crosses the East River from Delancey and Clinton Streets, Manhattan, to Roebling and S. 5th Streets, Williamsburg. Built at a cost of twelve million dollars, it held two lanes of roadway, two "L" tracks, four trolley tracks, and two promenades. It was the largest suspension bridge in the world at the time.

25 Panorama from the tower of Brooklyn Bridge /1903
The view was taken from the tower on the Brooklyn side of the bridge. As the film begins, the camera is looking southwest, towards the southern tip of Manhattan (the Battery). The camera pans very rapidly north following Manhattan's East River shoreline, across the bridge span itself and the bridge's New York side tower, following the shoreline further north towards Corlear's Hook, where the film ends. Some visible landmarks include the Fulton Fish Market buildings at Fulton and South Streets [Frame: 0420] (currently the site of the South Street Seaport Museum); north of the bridge tower is the Catherine Slip, where a Catherine Street Ferry is docked

26 Panorama from Times Building, New York /1905
The view is from the top of the then newly-erected Times Building, at a height of approximately twenty stories. The film opens with a vertical pan, going from the street below up to the sky. The photographer then makes a pan to the north over the tops of the buildings from Bryant Park, south of 42nd Street (behind the New York Public Library) [Frame: 1078] up 6th Avenue to the Hippodrome Theatre at 43rd Street [1866]. A marquee on the theater reads "A Yankee Circus On Mars." The camera continues to rotate toward 44th and 45th Streets between 6th and 7th Avenues, until coming to rest looking directly north up Times Square to 46th Street, where Broadway (left) and 7th Avenue (right) diverge again

27 Panorama of Blackwell's Island, N.Y. /1903
This film was photographed from a boat heading south along the eastern shore of Blackwell's Island (known today as Roosevelt Island). The island lies in the East River, between Manhattan (which can be seen in the background) and Long Island City, Queens. It is approximately one and three-quarters of a mile long, extending from 51st Street to 88th, and at the time of the filming was the location for a number of New York City's charitable and penal institutions. The film opens showing the lighthouse at the north end of the island (Hallet's Cove) [Frame: 0186]. As the boat enters the east channel of the river, the stacks of a large brewery on Manhattan are visible in the distance [0542]. The camera pans along the island's granite seawall (built by inmates of the Penitentiary and Workhouse) and the following buildings, in order of appearance, are shown: the New York City Lunatic Asylum [0956]; the Workhouse [1274]; the Almshouse [1524]; piers for the Queensborough (or 59th Street) Bridge, which upon completion in 1908 will span 135 feet above the island [2388]; the Almshouse Keeper's House (originally the home of the Blackwell family, who had once owned the island) [2730]; the Penitentiary [3646]; Charity Hospital [4140]. The film ends before reaching the southern tip of the island.

28 Panorama of Flatiron Building /1903
This shows a view looking south from Madison Square, across the intersection of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and Twenty-third Street, to the famous Fuller (or "Flatiron") Building. The cameraman elevates his camera, going from street level to the roof. Designed by D.H. Burnham and Company, the Fuller Building is an important early skyscraper and a New York City landmark. Known as the first great steel-framed building, the exterior of the lower three stories is stone, with the remainder clad in terra cotta. Twenty-one stories high, it is considered the first tall building erected north of city hall. Its completion in 1902 marked the beginning of New York City's first skyscraper era.

29 Panorama of Riker's Island, N.Y. /1903
The film was photographed from a boat going around Riker's Island. Located on the East River north of Hell Gate between the Bronx and Queens, Riker's Island was the site of a massive New York City landfill operation at the time of the filming (originally eighty-seven acres, by 1939 the size of the island had increased to four hundred acres). The film includes scenes of heavy equipment at work, including pile drivers constructing the seawall and steam shovels unloading rubbish from barges. On one of the steam shovels, a sign reading "Water Front Improvement Co., 220 Broadway, New York" can be distinguished [Frame: 3502]. Near the end of the film, a narrow-gauge steam engine with five open cars loaded with landfill, comes into view [3826]. The island is currently the site of a New York City penitentiary.

30 Panorama water front and Brooklyn Bridge from East River /1903
This film depicts the East River shoreline and the piers of lower Manhattan starting at about Pier 5 (the New York Central Pier) opposite Broad Street, and extending to the Mallory Line steamship piers just south of Fulton Street and the Brooklyn Bridge. The film begins with shots of canal boats or barges (from the Erie Canal via the Hudson River) docked at and around Coenties Slip [Frame: 0106]. As the film progresses, the New York Produce Exchange located at Bowling Green, Manhattan, with its distinct tower, comes into view in the background [0346]. Between here and the Wall Street ferry, there follows in order of appearance: steam tugs [0308 and 0422], a wooden hull barkentine [1032] with box barges alongside, a docked iron hull sailing ship, probably British [1448], an ocean steamer with yards on the foremast [1748], a derrick lighter laden with barrels docked at the end of a pier [2134], and a fruit steamer [2612]. In the Wall Street Ferry slip (between Piers 15 and 16) there is a Wall St., Manhattan-to-Montague St., Brooklyn, double-ended steam commuter boat [2896]. The ferry is visible immediately before a shot of the large advertising billboards on Pier 16. The film next shows the Ward Line piers (J.E. Ward & Co., New York and Cuba Steamship Co.) [3040], a Pennsylvania Railroad tug [3190], a derrick lighter [3320], and the Mallory Line piers [3692]. A Mallory Line steamer can be seen on the south side of one of the Mallory Piers [3736]. The camera begins panning out into the East River after passing pier 20, catching the fog bell at the end of pier 21 [3922]. A car float is visible passing under the Brooklyn Bridge [4202]. The pan follows the line of the Brooklyn Bridge eastward to Brooklyn Heights, where the Hotel Margaret (tall building in background) is visible just before the end of the film [4464]. This film continues the view begun in the film Sky Scrapers of New York City From the North River. Together they comprise a sweep around the southern tip of Manhattan, from Fulton Street on the Hudson to the Brooklyn Bridge.

31 Parade of "exempt" firemen /1903
The film shows a large group of people watching the approach of a color guard followed by a number of elderly marching firemen [Frame: 1734] pulling antique fire equipment [2486]. In the background is the white marble Washington Arch [0116], designed by Stanford White and completed in 1895 to commemorate the first inauguration of George Washington.

32 Parade of horses on Speedway /1903
The film is of a parade of fine horses and fashionable carriages taken along what is now the Harlem River Drive, in the Highbridge section of northern Manhattan. The view is from the Manhattan side of the river looking north. On the right is the Harlem River and on the opposite bank, the Bronx. Prominent in the background is the High Bridge at 175th Street, an important landmark completed in 1842 as part of the Croton aqueduct system. Beyond the High Bridge is the Washington Bridge at 181st Street. The "Speedway" was built in 1900 at a cost of over three million dollars.

33 Pennsylvania Tunnel excavation /1905
This film employs a 180-degree pan shot of the excavation site of New York's Pennsylvania Station, and includes shots of the narrow-gauge train used to haul debris from the tunnels under construction. Work began in 1904, and when completed in September of 1910 the station would span from 31st to 33rd Streets, and from 7th to 8th Avenue, an area of approximately 300,000 square feet. It would connect a massive rail tunnel system, bringing the Pennsylvania and Lehigh Railroads under the Hudson River and the Long Island Railroad under the East River to a terminal in the center of Manhattan, accommodating a network of twenty-seven tracks.

34 A perilous proceeding /1902
The film follows a group of approximately ten men who are suspended on the cable of a large crane atop a building under construction. As the men are lifted over the site and gradually lowered, they wave to the camera.

35 Pilot boats in New York harbor /1899
A New York harbor pilot boat passes close enough for four members of the crew to be seen [Frame: 0471]. Following the sailing vessel is a steamship [0780].

36 Skating on lake, Central Park /1902
The view is of a frozen lake in Central Park crowded with ice skaters. The film is of such poor quality that it is difficult to tell if the apparent "snow" is real or just scratches on the film

37 The skyscrapers of New York /1906
This melodrama was filmed during the actual construction of a skyscraper in New York City, and includes several scenes of real work crews: a line of bricklayers [Frame: 1773 (part 1)], a man heating rivets in a forge [2459 (part 1)], riveters assembling steel girders [2859 (part 1)], men astride the steel framework maneuvering and setting a girder in place [3930 (part 1)], and a group of men descending on a crane line [5912 (part 1)]. The story involves a construction foreman who fires one of his crew for fighting, which leads the disgruntled employee to steal. He causes the blame to be put on the foreman, who is finally exonerated when the thief is exposed. All of this conflict is woven in and around the actual construction of the building as the work is in progress. There is even one scene of a hand-to-hand fight between the foreman and the villain that takes place on the unprotected ledge of the steel framework of the building. Some New York City landmarks seen in the film include Union Square (between Broadway and 4th Avenue, 14th-17th Street), and the Everett House, opposite the northeast corner of the square at 17th St. and 4th Avenue [1056 (part 1)]. The film includes the original AM&B title frames at head of film

38 Skyscrapers of New York City, from the North River /1903
Filmed from a moving boat, the film depicts the Hudson River (i.e., North River) shoreline and the piers of lower Manhattan beginning around Fulton Street and extending to Castle Garden and Battery Park. It begins at one of the American Line piers (Pier 14 or 15, opposite Fulton Street) where an American Line steamer, either the "New York" or "Paris," is seen docked [Frame: 0120]. The camera passes one of the Manhattan-to-New Jersey commuter ferries to Jersey City or Communipaw [0860]. Proceeding south, the distinct double towers of the Park Row, or Syndicate Building, erected in 1897-98, can be seen in the background [0866]. A coastal freighter is next [1560], then Trinity Church appears, to the left of which can be seen the Surety Building, as a tug with a "C" on the stack passes in foreground [2032]. Several small steamboats come into view [2136], and the B.T. Babbitt Soap factory at Pier 6 is seen [2300], followed by the Pennsylvania Railroad piers (#5 & #4), with a group of docked railroad car floats [2556], and the Lehigh Valley Railroad piers (#3 & #2), also with car floats [3030]. Next are the Bowling Green Building (rectangular, with facade to camera) [3208], the Whitehall Building (vertical, thin side to camera) [3388], followed by Pennsylvania Railroad Pier #1 [3630]. Pier A (with a clock tower) is seen with the New York Harbor Police steam boat "Patrol" at its end [4654]. The Bowling Green Offices and the Produce Exchange at Bowling Green are visible in the background. The breakwater (sheltered landing) and the New York City Fireboat House appears [5270] and the distinctive round structure, Castle Garden, once a fort and immigrant station, but at the time of filming the City Aquarium, comes into view [5438]. The camera then pans east along the Battery Park promenade: the Barge Office (with tower) is visible in the distance [5804], and further out the Brooklyn shoreline with the grain elevators at Atlantic Avenue can be seen [6088]. This view is continued, with only a minor break in continuity, in the film Panorama of Sky Scrapers and Brooklyn Bridge From the East River. Together they comprise a sweep around the southern tip of Manhattan, from Fulton Street on the Hudson to the Brooklyn Bridge.

39 Sleighing scene /1898
A view of a snow-covered road in Central Park. A variety of horse-drawn sleighs ride by the camera from both directions. Only two pedestrians appear.

40 Sorting refuse at incinerating plant, New York City /1903
The subject is a group of about thirty men and boys who are sorting combustible refuse, mostly paper, and stuffing it into large sacks. In the background a man in a hat with an emblem on it can be seen unloading trash from a large wagon. Location may be the New York City Sanitation Department's East 17th Street facility, or possibly the incinerator at West 47th Street on the Hudson River.

41 Star Theatre /1902
Using time-lapse photography, the film shows the demolition of the famous Star Theatre. Judging from the various exposures, the work must have gone on for a period of approximately thirty days. The theater opened in 1861 as "Wallack's Theatre," and was re-christened the "Star" in 1883. It was well known for it's excellent productions, and a number of celebrated actors and actresses worked there, among them Ellen Terry. The celebrated English actor Henry Irving made his first stage appearance in America at the Star.

42 Statue of Liberty /1898
A three-quarter front view of the Statue of Liberty. The statue was erected twelve years earlier, in 1886.

43 A street Arab /1898
A preadolescent boy, dressed like a street urchin, performs acrobatic stunts for the camera.

44 What happened on Twenty-third Street, New York City /1901
A street level view from the sidewalk, looking along the length of 23rd Street. Following actuality footage of pedestrians and street traffic, the actors, a man in summer attire and a woman in an ankle-length dress, walk toward the camera. As they cross a grate on the sidewalk they pause, and the escaping air blows the woman's dress to her knees.

45 White Wings on review /1903
Filmed on an unidentified street in New York City, probably Fifth Avenue. Rows of men wearing the white uniforms of New York City street sweepers (known as White Wings) march by the camera. Each row has a police escort. The parade of uniformed men continues until several hundred pass. Immediately following the marching men come approximately a hundred horse-drawn two-wheel carts of the kind used for hauling garbage [Frame: 3394]. One four wheeled cart is seen near the end of the film. In 1895, under the reform administration of Mayor William L. Strong, New York City's Department of Street Cleaning was headed by Colonel George Waring. It was he who garbed his workers in the white duck suits (earning them the name "White Wings") seen in the film. He is also recognized as a brilliant sanitary engineer who marshalled the two thousand man force to clean four hundred and fifty miles of streets each day. According to Jacob Riis, "his broom saved more lives in the crowded tenements than a squad of doctors." By 1903, the date of the filming, a new city administration was in power and Waring had been replaced.

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Yes, a tear jerker (A beautiful One)
NOT ON REGION 1 DVD BECAUSE. . .
Life is a constant struggle
I OWN THIS DVD HIGHLY RECOMMENED I OWN THE REGION 2 UK VERSION RELEASED FEB 2005

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Starring: Dorothy McGuire , Joan Blondell , James Dunn , Lloyd Nolan , and James Gleason
Director: Elia Kazan
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B0006GANWI

Customer Reviews:

Save money.......2006-08-23

I bought this DVD direct from AMAZON-UK and it played flawlessly in my multi-region DVD player. After figuring the exchange rate it cost me less than $18.00, shipping included, and I received it about a week from placing my order.

Yes, a tear jerker (A beautiful One).......2005-12-20

Peggy Ann Garner was a very under rated child star. She was a top notch actress. The scene where she cries after reading the note from her deceased father is the one that brought tears to my eyes. And I was 48 when I saw it for the first time. (I'm 50 now.) Of course, James Dunn is always good. And Dorothy McGuire is as lovely as usual. To make a long story short, you will not go wrong buying this film. I promise you'll love it.

NOT ON REGION 1 DVD BECAUSE. . ........2005-12-11

Like many who have taken the time to write about A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN I too would love to have this title available on DVD. Fox had scheduled it for release and then pulled it. Why? I believe the reason is that they sub-leased this title for release in Europe and thus can not release it until the lease runs out. They are not interested in putting it out in just a Region 1 version, so will hold off until all rights revert back to them. Too bad as this is one that I would dearly like not only to have, but to share with others.

Life is a constant struggle.......2005-12-08

This is a wonderful picture about a poor family trying to get by in pre-WW I Brooklyn. James Dunn is excellent as the good-hearted father who just can't seem to make a go of it; Dorothy McGuire is his cold, practical wife, the rock of the family; and Peggy Ann Garner is the daughter Francie who loves her father dearly. The relationship between Francie and her father is beautifully depicted and is one of the best things about the movie.

The movie is ripe for sentimentality, but it's a credit to director Elia Kazan (his first movie) that it never stoops to that level. In fact, the movie is filled with very realistic scenes, filmed with both eyes wide open: a woman (and her baby) is stoned for being an unwed mother, and after Francie is molested Katie shoots her attacker. The last 20 minutes are a bit of a letdown, but the acting and script (by Tess Slesinger and Frank Davis) are first-rate and engrossing. This movie is one of the finest ever made based on a popular novel. Definitely worth a watch.

I OWN THIS DVD HIGHLY RECOMMENED I OWN THE REGION 2 UK VERSION RELEASED FEB 2005.......2005-10-28

I LOVE THIS MOVIE I OWN THE VHS AND THE REGION 2 UK DISC AVAIALBLE SINCE FEBUARY 2005 WHEN WILL THE REGION 1 DISC BE RELEASED IN THE US? 5 STAR RATING UPDATE 0314/06.A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN CONTINUES TO BE IN THE TOP TEN SELLING VIDEOS!!!DO YOU THINK SOME STUDIO EXECUTIVES COULD COLLECTIVLY TURN ON THEIR LIGHT BULBS,AND SAY HEY THE DEMAND IS THERE,FOR A DVD RELEASE.THE MOVIE HAS BEEN AVAILBLE IN EUROPE FOR OVER A YEAR.WHY NOT RELEASE IT HERE ON REGION ONE? OH THE USA AND THE CANADIANS,CAN ONLY BUY THE VIDEO...SHOULD WE GIVE THE PUBLIC WHAT THEY WANT?...HELL NO WE HAVE TO RERELEASE RADARMEN ON MARS TOO BAD,ARE THE US EXEC. RESPONSE RIGHT. COMEONE YOU CAN DO IT..i THANK YOU STEWART L.

Modern Marvels - Brooklyn Bridge (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)

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History Channel

Modern Marvels - Brooklyn Bridge (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
Starring: Modern Marvels
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
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Modern Marvels - The Empire State Building (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
Ken Burns America Collection - Brooklyn Bridge
Modern Marvels - More Engineering Disasters (History Channel)
Modern Marvels - Eiffel Tower (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
The Statue of Liberty (History Channel)

ASIN: B0007WFUBU
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Product Description

Firsthand accounts and extensive archival footage bring the struggle to create the world's first suspension bridge to life.

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Running Time 50 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

History Channel.......2007-02-27

This is a very excellent sorce for home schooling . We need to have rewards sometimes and this is a perfect opportunity to have a history lesson in action. Please consider how the effects of the movie will drive home the history of our nation.

Ken Burns' America Collection (Brooklyn Bridge/The Statue of Liberty/Empire of the Air/The Congress/Thomas Hart Benton/Huey Long/The Shakers)

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Never Received
Great Collection of brilliant film maker
Excellent collection of Ken Burns' shorter works.

Ken Burns' America Collection (Brooklyn Bridge/The Statue of Liberty/Empire of the Air/The Congress/Thomas Hart Benton/Huey Long/The Shakers)
Starring: Paul Roebling , Julie Harris , Arthur Miller , Kurt Vonnegut Jr. , and Richard Pini (II)
Director: Ken Burns
Manufacturer: Pbs Paramount
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ASIN: B0002KPI1Y
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Description

These seven brilliant programs by America's foremost documentary filmmaker comprise a glorious anthem to a great nation and its people. "Brooklyn Bridge" and "Statue of Liberty" chronicle the conception and building of these magnificent structures that grace New York Harbor. "Empire of the Air" is an absorbing history of radio and the men who created it, while "The Congress" is a fascinating portrait of this unique American institution. Opposites in almost every way, artist "Thomas Hart Benton" and politician "Huey Long" are portrayed in compelling biographies. "The Shakers" is a moving tribute to the most enduring religious experiment in American history.

Customer Reviews:

Never Received.......2006-11-06

I ordered this item, but Amazon was unable to obtain and ship the item.

Great Collection of brilliant film maker.......2004-10-12

I have been waiting for this box set to come out - Now for the first many of Mr. Burns best work are collected in one set - Having seen several of these works on PBS, I feel qualified to rate this set highly - He can take an interesting subject matter and enchance it or take a subject I know little about and have me fascinated - Buy this set, enjoy and learn

Excellent collection of Ken Burns' shorter works........2000-05-25

This collection contains seven of Ken Burns' shorter documentary works that range from his early days as a film maker to those that show him at the height of his craft. While "The Brooklyn Bridge" is rather weak, the other six films more than make up for it. Truly an excellent showcase for Burns. See below for a review of each film in this collection.

"The Brooklyn Bridge: Running Time: 60 minutes Narrated by David McCullough

Although parts of "The Brooklyn Bridge" hint at the excellent work Ken Burns would produce in later films, this particular documentary falters in its last 20 minutes.

The Brooklyn Bridge is many stories, but it's mainly the tale of how perseverance can make an almost impossible vision take form. The Bridge took many years and several million dollars to build. It faced political and social opposition. It weathered scandals and corruption. And when it was over, it stood as a monument to mechanical brilliance and souful aspirations. Burns only spends forty minutes on the story of the Bridge's construction. He spends the last 20 minutes focusing on what the Bridge means to various scholars, poets and New Yorkers; this is where the film lags. Admittedly, the Bridge is important as a cultural icon, not just for New York, but for America. However, if Burns was going to devote this much time to testimonials, then the film should have been at least 90 minutes or, better yet, two hours.

When the film concentrates on the Bridge's construction, it shines. Burns has carefully selected photos, drawings, contemporary newspaper accounts and personal journals of key participants in the Bridge's inception to vibrantly tell this story. He just should have spent more time on his subject. The pace of this documentary is so hurried and awkward, you can tell where Burns is skipping key parts of the story in order to get to the testimonials. A good effort, but it pales before his later output.

"The Statue of Liberty" Running Time: 60 minutes Narrated by David McCullough

"The Statue of Liberty" by Ken Burns is a moving testament to the spirit of the American ideal. Like Burns' earlier "Brooklyn Bridge," this film also chronicles the construction of an American landmark as well as the reactions of various people to what that landmark stands for. Unlike the "Brooklyn Bridge," however, this approach works in "The Statue of Liberty." What the Statue means to one person or another is part of its importance, and Burns has captured that beautifully.

Using wonderful footage, sketches, photos and personal accounts of its construction, Burns ably documents the struggle to make a vision a reality. Burns well captures the engineering brilliance required to build the Statue. He also illustrates how the Statue has become a representation of the best and worst of our American ideals. The Statue is a symbol of new hope and second chances, and this film illuminates the power of that symbol.

"The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God" Running Time: 60 minutes Narrated by David McCullough

In "The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God" Ken Burns truly hit his stride as a documentarian. By combining personal journals of early Shakers, historic and social commentary of scholars and contemporaries, and wonderfully insightful interviews with present day Shakers, Burns tells a simple story, but tells it beautifully. By illustrating the Shaker life and ideology, Burns presents a group of dedicated people who strove to put God into every aspect of their lives.

If you know the Shakers for only their furniture and ritual dancing, then this film will illuminate your understanding of early America's most powerful Utopian movement.

"Thomas Hart Benton" Running Time: 60 minutes Narrated by Jason Robards

"Thomas Hart Benton" is a revealing and immensely watchable biography of an artist who probably reached more Americans than any other. As Ken Burns ably proves, Benton's work captured the spirit and history of the average American man and woman.

Combining samples of Benton's work, interviews with art critics, family, friends and enemies as well as footage of Benton himself, Burns presents a perfectly balanced approach to an artist's life and his statement of America as a struggling, vibrant land.

You don't have to like Benton's art to like this film. In fact, several of the critics Burns interviewed for this one-hour documentary dismiss Benton as a serious artist. However, what they say about Benton is as revealing as the praise of critics who revere him. Perfectly balanced and entertaining. "Empire of the Air" Running Time: 120 minutes Narrated by Jason Robards

Although Marconi may have invented the technology for radio, three men made it a force for change. "Empire of the Air" examines the lives of those men, Lee de Forest, Edwin Armstrong and David Sarnoff. All three would contribute some necessary component to radio's development, but could never agree or acknowledge the work of the other.

Today we take radio's constant presence and role for granted, but this documentary proves what a struggle it was to bring it into being. Burns uses personal interviews with the key players in radio's development and their contemporaries, as well as archival footage and historical commentary to illustrate how radio has impacted us as a society. The story of radio's three primary "fathers" plays like a radio drama full of struggle, triumph and tragedy. This is an outstanding documentary.

"Huey Long" Running Time: 90 minutes Narrated by David McCullough

Although forgotten or largely discounted today, Huey Long came closer to becoming a total dictator than any other American. This film by Ken Burns brings the power and presence of Long into its proper context of a poor and desperate state in the throes of a crippling depression. Burns illustrates this documentary with excellent interviews with Long's contemporaries, constituents, friends and opponents. There is also revealing footage of Long himself that reflects his intended image of a "countrified buffoon," which caused his enemies to underestimate him. This doucmentary brings Long back to life as a veritable dictator who might have won the presidency if not for his assassination.

The film's main strength lies in its balanced approach to this controversial figure. Although Burns interviewed many of Long's enemies, he also sought the opinion of the average Louisiana citizen who benefited from Long's provision of free school books and hospital care. These people were Long's source of strength of power who still regard him as a great man and never cared how Long managed to give them these things. Again, Burns balances the man who provided relief to a struggling people, and the dictator who compromised decomcracy in order to provide that relief. This is an excellent documentary.

"The Congress" Running Time: 90 minutes Narrated by David McCullough

Ken Burns' "The Congress" is a wonderful history of an essential but underrated American institution. In only ninety minutes, Burns captures the strengths and weaknesses of our legislative branch like few documentarians could. Congress, often accused of gridlock and pork barrelling, actually exemplifies the American ideal of self-rule. This film touches on key successes and failures of this body throughout its entire history. Burns examines the contributions of such pivotal congressmen as Joe Cannon, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, George Norris and a host of others. Burns alters our current perspective of Congress to show us an organization of great power that has, at times, ruled the country in counterbalance to weak presidents.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2006-07-04

I watched this a few weeks before a trip to NY and couln't wait to go after watching. It goes over all the interesting details about it being built. Nice documentary.

inspiring documentary.......2004-09-24

Good. Dated, but good........2004-09-02

Mediocre early effort from a great documentarian........2000-05-21

Although parts of "Brooklyn Bridge" hint at the excellent work Ken Burns would demonstrate in later works, this particular film falters in its last twenty minutes.

Skip the movie. Go to Brooklyn for the real thing........2000-01-12

Average customer rating:

Great
inspiring documentary
Good. Dated, but good.
Mediocre early effort from a great documentarian.
Skip the movie. Go to Brooklyn for the real thing.

Brooklyn Bridge
Starring: Paul Roebling , Julie Harris , Arthur Miller , Kurt Vonnegut Jr. , and Richard Pini (II)
Director: Ken Burns
Manufacturer: Pbs Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All | PBS | Specialty Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Ken Burns's America: The Statue of Liberty
Modern Marvels - Brooklyn Bridge (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
A Picture History of the Brooklyn Bridge
Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio
Great Bridge : The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge

ASIN: B00007LZ1J
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Description

This award-winning program by filmmaker Ken Burns recaptures all the drama, the struggles and the personal tragedies behind this greatest of all achievements of America's industrial age. As this fascinating program reveals, it was the largest bridge of its era, marked by enormous construction problems and ingenious solutions. Witness the human heroics of the larger-than-life men who built the bridge that seized the imagination of New Yorkers and all Americans. Discover the enduring charm and beauty of this granite and steel structure, as you travel across its span to the heart of the metropolis.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2006-07-04

I watched this a few weeks before a trip to NY and couln't wait to go after watching. It goes over all the interesting details about it being built. Nice documentary.

inspiring documentary.......2004-09-24

Good. Dated, but good........2004-09-02

Mediocre early effort from a great documentarian........2000-05-21

Although parts of "Brooklyn Bridge" hint at the excellent work Ken Burns would demonstrate in later works, this particular film falters in its last twenty minutes.

Skip the movie. Go to Brooklyn for the real thing........2000-01-12

Average customer rating:

I Don't own it
Not quite what I expected
THE GOOD OLD DAYS IN THE HUDON RIVER &NYC
Ten Blurs
not what I was looking for

'Neath the Brooklyn Bridge
Starring: Jr. Noah Beery , Stanley Clements , Gabriel Dell , Ann Gillis , and Leo Gorcey
Director: Wallace W. Fox
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Criminals | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Classic Comedies | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

Mystery & Suspense | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( N ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

East Side Kids Double Feature: Ghosts on the Loose & Spooks Run Wild
East Side Kids - Boys of the City
East Side Kids - Smart Alecks
East Side Kids - Million Dollar Kid
Dead End Kids: Little Tough Guy

ASIN: B00008Z48J
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Customer Reviews:

I Don't own it.......2007-05-11

I'm an East Side Kids, Dead End Kids, and Bowery Boys fan. One of the biggest reasons I won't buy it is they don't tell you what movies you're getting. I have the other collection sold here called "The East Side Kids 10 Bowery Classics" and it's good and would suggest getting that one instead of this one. Especially after reading other reviews about how poor the picture quality is and the logo in the lower right hand corner through the whole movie stinks also.

PBC
Amarillo, TX

Not quite what I expected.......2006-08-18

I thought this would include at least some of the Bowery Boys movies, based on the title. But it turns out none of those movies are available legally. No matter, the East Side Kids are still pretty funny, and you can see how they evolved into the famed Bowery Boys. My other complaint is that the overall picture and sound quality are not the best!

THE GOOD OLD DAYS IN THE HUDON RIVER &NYC.......2006-07-17

WOW THESE DVDS ARE GREAT BRINGS BACK THEGOOD OLE DAYS DOWN IN BROOKLYN & NEW YORK CITY ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE ON THE HUDSON RIVER,THESE DVDS ARE A MUST IF YOU LOVED TO WATCH MUGSY & HIS CREW SATCH WHO WAS A GREAT STAR OF THESE MOVIES WAS 1 OF THE FUNNYEST GUYS TOO WATCH ON SATURDAY MORNING .I AM NOW 50 BUCKWHEAT LIVED BY ME IN NEW JERSEY HE LIVED IN NEWARK.
YOU GET 5 GREAT DVDS FOR A SUPER GREAT PRICE SHOW YOUR KIDS WHAT A REAL CARTOON WAS NOT LIKE TODAY THESE CARTOONS MADE TODAY BELONG IN THE GARBAGE SLIP MOHONEY WAS MUGSYS NAME ON T.V.THOSE WAS THE GOOD DAYS THAT WILL NEVER BE SEEN AGAIN.I ALSO GREW UP ON THE LOWER HUDSON RIVER IN BAYONNE WE HAD A BLAST ON ALLTHE OLD BARGES WE MADE MANY CLUB HOUSES WE CRABBED AND FISHED ALL DAY LONG WE EVEN SWAM UP TO THE ROBBINS REEF LIGHT HOUSE.BUY A SET OF THESE DVDS YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED NEVER THEY WERE THE BEST KIDS TODAY KIDS CARRY GUND AND DRUGS ITS A TOTAL MESS TODAY FROM THE DAYS OF THE BOWERY BOYS OR EAST SIDE KIDS TAKE CARE ROBERT AKA BABE FROM BAYONNE NEW JERSEY

Ten Blurs.......2006-04-22

The Passport editions of ten of the East Side Kids movies is a cheap way to get to know one of the fun series of the early 1940's. Cheap is in both senses.

I had already collected a set of Alpha Video and Platinum Disc Corporation editions but had hoped to find editions with better picture and sound quality. Passport didn't do it.

Only occasionally would the quality even equal that of Alpha or Platinum. Usually the quality was markedly worse. There was even missing footage. For example, the opening scene of "Bowery Blitzkrieg" on Alpha and Platinum has Danny (Bobby Jordan) drilling his economics lesson while using a punching bag. Passport starts the movie from a later scene, Muggs (Leo Gorcey) bullying the bad guy.

Passport puts a faint "Bowery Boys / East Side Kids" logo in the lower-right corner throughout. The other two editions do not do this.

No edition has any meaningful extras. I have little hope these films will be cleaned up, Criterion style.

Alpha Video tends to have the best quality on its single-film DVD's, but Platinum's four-paks come close and are more cost-effective. Passport runs last on all counts.

not what I was looking for.......2006-03-01

I was looking for the series that had the bowery boys in the malt shop at the start of each movie. I think this was the later ones. these are good but not what I wanted.

Average customer rating:

Neath Brooklyn Bridge
Starring: East Side Kids; Leo Gorcey; Bobby Jordan; Huntz Hall; Gabriel Dell; Noah Berry Jr.; Marc Lawrence; Ann Gillis; Dave O'Brien
Director: Wallace Fox
Manufacturer: Reel Enterprises
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000PSISME
Release Date: 2007-04-23

Amazon.com

The East Side Kids find a hysterical young girl who is found in an apartment with a murdered man. Convinced she did not kill the man, the Kids hide the girl in their clubhouse while they perform an investigation of their own to find the real killer. However, things are complicated when one of the kids made the mistake of touching the murder weapon, and the fingerprints may implicate him in the murder.

DVD:

DVD

New York City Ballet Workout (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: Lover's Prayer

Guddi