American Experience: American Comandante DVD

$24.99
Item #: WA9312
Like something out of a dime store novel or a Hollywood Cold War thriller, the story of William Alexander Morgan has it all - adventure and romance, mobsters and spies, and a cast of characters that includes J. Edgar Hoover, Chè Guevera, and Fidel Castro. Told through eyewitnesses, American Comandante is a quintessential American story of a man who reinvented ... More
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Like something out of a dime store novel or a Hollywood Cold War thriller, the story of William Alexander Morgan has it all - adventure and romance, mobsters and spies, and a cast of characters that includes J. Edgar Hoover, Chè Guevera, and Fidel Castro. Told through eyewitnesses, American Comandante is a quintessential American story of a man who reinvented himself, transforming from a failure to a hero and celebrity. 

Producer: Sandie Viquez Pedlow/ Mark Samels
Production Company: WGBH Educational Foundation
Production Year: 2015
Rating: TV-PG
Narrator: Oliver Platt
Number of Discs: 1
Length: 60 minutes
Subtitled: Y
Subtitle Languages: English
DVI: N
Audio Format: 5.1 Surround
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

30 Reviews
M
Mar
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
I would buy it and give to a school
Review by Mar on 07/17/20 review stating I would buy it and give to a school
I buy dvds to send to the Philippines to a small fishing village for their school not to show what we can do put to show what they can do when they but their minds to it. You can move mountains.
L
Libby
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Boys of 36
Review by Libby on 07/17/20 review stating Boys of 36
This documentary is very well done and is a perfect companion for the book, The Boys in a Boat. I watched this on IPTV when it aired and was excited to learn I could buy it! It gives great information about the background and trials of the boys as well as what the 1936 Olympics in Berlin was like. Anyone who likes to learn more about this special rowing team or about the realities of the 1936 Olympics will immensely enjoy this documentary. I highly recommend it!
L
L
Anonymous User
3.0 star rating
07/17/20
Ppoasadfghjkmncvbp
Review by L on 07/17/20 review stating Ppoasadfghjkmncvbp
Pasgh
R
Rico A.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Absolutely Compelling!
Review by Rico A. on 07/17/20 review stating Absolutely Compelling!
This DVD presenting the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir and the heroic exploits of the First Marine Division effectively conveys significant insight into the multi faceted aspects of the military, political, and social issues surrounding the Korean War. This documentary is required viewing for those interested in geo-political issues.
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N/A
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Immigrants made America the Great Nation it is today!
Review by N/A on 07/17/20 review stating Immigrants made America the Great Nation it is today!
There is a lot to learn about capitalism and greed. Tesla is the epitome of a genius and has for to long been brushed out of the lime light by egotist like Thomas Edison and anti-Semitic Henry Ford. Westinghouse had a greater vision and saw the opportunity which he seized to improve lightning. What a pity his work was stolen from him and he was almost forgotten. I will go out tomorrow and buy a TESLA!
H
Hat
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A Deluge of Insight
Review by Hat on 07/17/20 review stating A Deluge of Insight
This documentary is SUPERBLY and dramatically informative on the historic downsides and risks of nuclear weapons. It should be studied, reflected on, and discussed by all citizens. The producers are to be highly commended for this public service, as is PBS for giving it broad exposure.
N
Nick E.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
This Is Edge-of-Your-Seat Stuff
Review by Nick E. on 07/17/20 review stating This Is Edge-of-Your-Seat Stuff
I attended an advanced screening of this film at the Bee Branch, AR, high school, about a mile from where the missile silo stood and immediately knew I had to have the full 2-hour film. While driving home I tried to imagine what the landscape would look like had that warhead detonated. I couldnt fathom it - then again I probably wouldnt be here had it exploded.
R
Red R.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Rural Experience
Review by Red R. on 07/17/20 review stating Rural Experience
Great story for those interested in past olympics and in life in rural western North America during the early 19th century.
H
Hukey T.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Incredible Woman
Review by Hukey T. on 07/17/20 review stating Incredible Woman
Ive known about Rachel Carson for years, but watching this American Experience biography told me so much more about the woman behind the movement. She had insight into what she saw happening around her that others did not. She also found a way to share that with the world. We owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude for her service to the world.
H
Hek S.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Excellent Synthesis of a Fine Book
Review by Hek S. on 07/17/20 review stating Excellent Synthesis of a Fine Book
Our bookclub watched this absorbing video after reading the book, and it was a great way to reinforce the memory of the book.
A
Alice W.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
American Experience: Rachel Carson
Review by Alice W. on 07/17/20 review stating American Experience: Rachel Carson
One the best documentaries Ive seen. A must see for all who are concerned about our eco-system.
M
Marine M.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Proud Daughter of one of the Chosin Few
Review by Marine M. on 07/17/20 review stating Proud Daughter of one of the Chosin Few
My Marine father rarely ever spoke about his experience but he was proud and grateful to have made it back from the Chosin Reservoir. Many, many years later when my son was headed to Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division my father pulled out a piece of yellow material. My father then told us the story behind the yellow scarf. It came from a parachute that was used to drop supplies to the troops. My father used part of the parachute to wrap around himself to battle to extreme cold and also cut a long piece to wrap around his neck. This is what he brought home with him and what he wanted my son to have with him in Afghanistan. I too am ordering multiple copies. My father passed away a little over a year ago - I so wish he could have seen this tribute.
A
Arkansas O.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A Well Done, Edge of Your Seat Documentary
Review by Arkansas O. on 07/17/20 review stating A Well Done, Edge of Your Seat Documentary
Very well done and very interesting. Despite knowing the outcome, you are still on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. Being an Arkansan, this documentary piece was especially appealing and was well put together with the right mix of historical footage, current interviews, and reenactment footage.
J
Judgegus
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Every young person should see this heartbreaking film
Review by Judgegus on 07/17/20 review stating Every young person should see this heartbreaking film
I was an Officer in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. I served with other officers and non-commissioned officers who had served in Korea. Chosin Reservoir was more history to me than real. This film brought home to me what these Marines and soldiers endured. I had the honor of knowing a Marine Officer who won the Silver Star during that battle. I wish I had seen this film when I was attending Basic School in Quantico in 1964. I think it would have made me realize what a real honor it is to lead Marines. I also discovered I have great empathy for the Chinese soldiers who fought in that battle and suffered like our Marines and soldiers did. I was proud of my brother Marines for the kind treatment they gave to the Chinese prisoners. That is what Marines do. Semper Fidelis!
M
Mark
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
The Chosen Few - True American Heroes
Review by Mark on 07/17/20 review stating The Chosen Few - True American Heroes
This is an excellent documentary! My father served in the First Marines and was a surviving member of the Chosin Reservoir. What he and those other men went through was totally unbelievable. I am going to buy several of the DVDs and pass them on to his grandchildren so they can learn about the costly sacrifices that were made for all of us. My father and others like him are true American Heroes in my book. I for one, will never let this become a forgotten war!
J
John T.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A Depression Story -- Coming Back ?
Review by John T. on 07/17/20 review stating A Depression Story -- Coming Back ?
It was a time of massive social upset, and people struggling. One result was the rise of crime, and Bonnie and Clyde were two, but coming from very ordinary circumstances. Today thanks to public policy, those social circumstances are on their way back. Well see. JAT
J
'B'
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
IT WAS A VERY RIVETING STORY!
Review by 'B' on 07/17/20 review stating IT WAS A VERY RIVETING STORY!
IREALLY ENJOYED THE WAY THE STORY WAS TOLD,BECAUSE SOME SOME INCIDENTS I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT,IT WAS A VERY RIVETING STORY!;
J
Jim
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Only one word to describe: EXCELLENT
Review by Jim on 07/17/20 review stating Only one word to describe: EXCELLENT
This was a very personal documentary for me. My grandfather was a coal miner in Mercer County in southern West Virginia. Born in 1869 and died in 1931, he was a miner in the timeframe described in this DVD. My was born in 1909 and told me of some of this, but seeing the towns and the way of life for the miners brought this home to me in an amazing way. Very nice job in detailing this piece of our history.
C
Charlie
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Good
Review by Charlie on 07/17/20 review stating Good
This was a great show.well worth watching.I would recommend this show to everyone.
T
T
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
My Great Grandfather Frank Keeney was featured
Review by T on 07/17/20 review stating My Great Grandfather Frank Keeney was featured
This DVD was very well put together. My great grandfather was Frank Keeney, Bessie was my great grandmother. I really enjoyed learning more about him in this documentary. Thank you for putting this together.

Highlighted Customer Reviews


R
Rich J. reviewed American Experience: American Comandante DVD
5 star rating
Mine Wars
Review by Rich J. review stating Mine Wars
Excellent movie and a deeper appreciation for what those early miners and their families endured.
C
Cesca reviewed American Experience: American Comandante DVD
5 star rating
Grandaughter of WVA CoalMiner
Review by Cesca review stating Grandaughter of WVA CoalMiner
At 80 ..I can more than appreciate the events of the past..My Grandfather from Hungary worked in the mines of Marion County..as did most men of the area, we remember well the Blasts, lost lives, Black Lung, and the fight for the Union ..3 generations of our family worked in the mines..each generation moving upward ...and Out!! Thank You for the recall of Blair Mountain and the brave people who sacrificed and fought for safety and dignity!!!
A
A M. reviewed American Experience: American Comandante DVD
5 star rating
Great History
Review by A M. review stating Great History
Thank you PBS for exposing us to our important past. The commentary by historians interviewed were insightful. James Green and Rosemary Feurer were especially great commenting on their research.

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