American Experience: Annie Oakley DVD

American Experience comes through with another of the documentaries that cause me to love this series. As a teenager in the late 60s and early 70s I protested the war. This documentary reminded me of the reasons why, and the difficulties that we face even today, with entrenched and ignorant viewpoints. How the police officers could continue to justify using violence on unarmed students was jaw-dropping. But most moving were the testimonies of those connected to the ill fated soldiers who were guided by higher ups who lived for their own glory and not the safety of their men. Beautifully done, in the manner of Band of Brothers, it shows a true picture of all who participated in both events.

I had never heard of the Orphan Trains until I saw this film in a class at San Francisco State several years ago. Touching, interesting, well-done, and an important part of the history of our country. Many of the stories have satisfactory endings, some not, but I think it shows a warmth of the American human spirit that is unique.

Superb. The best most complete overview of this brilliant but tormented playwright. He truly forged drama that was American universal

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BROADCAST IVE EVER SEEN. IT GIVES YOU A MORE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF WHAT IT WAS LIKE FOR THE CREW AND THEIR FAMILIES ON THIS MISSION. TO EXPERIENCE SEEING EARTH FOR THE FIRST TIME FROM THEIR FOOTAGE AND THEIR DESCRIPTION BROUGHT ME TO TEARS. IT WILL BE ONE OF THE CLOSEST MOMENTS YOU WILL EVER FEEL TO GOD AND HEAVEN. THIS DOCUMENTARY HAS FOREVER CHANGED MY LIFE.

Best biography of a small woman who was a giant.

My birth name is Reba Dawn Meason. I am the daughter of Audie Reba Henderson and George Lahn Meason. My father George Lahn was an orphan train rider coming out of NYC and he arrived in Texas in March,1920 knowing he was going to be taken in by the Measons. John Meason was a minister and Josie Brock Meason was a housewife. My father was adopted by the Meason family in 1921 approximately 1 year after he came to Texas. My father has a story I want to tell (his story much like many others).... a story he was able to tell late in his life. Prior to that, he didnt talk about it, he did not share it. My mother did not know for years about his ride on that train. She met my father through his birth sister Anna Lahn. She was Annas best friend and never knew that Anna and her sisters, Carolyn and Elizabeth Lahn, also came to Texas via an orphan train arriving a few weeks before their brothers Julius and George. Julius was a sickly child and was too sick for the 1st trip so they held daddy back to ride with his brother. Julius Lahn was a pastor for 22 years at the Bogata Church of God in Sulpher Springs. Mary Ellen Johnson developed an interest in the Orphan Train riders in the 1980s and started searching for them hoping to help these children make their place in history. That she did. My daddy was one of her early contacts and he was very active in Orphan Train Heritage Society of America out of Springdale, Arkansas. I hope to leave a message with each listener of the lives of these children which in many ways were different but in many ways alike. They were children hoping for a better life, love, a roof over their head and nourishment. I was blessed with attending many Orphan Train Reunions in Texas with my parents. In the beginning it was just a joining of souls who shared a like experience. In the end, I would say it was a healing experience very much like the one that is received when you can open up in Alcoholics Anonymous. It was OK to talk about it.

I dont know how anyone can give a negative review on something they havent watched. The DVD has people talking about the movement and their interactions. It is very accurate, Ive talked to the people and heard the stories myself. I have started a website Orphan Train Speaker on Facebook including stories from my father and the members.

Having worked on the pipeline, I found this to be very accurate and educational. It is extremely helpful in teaching about Americas energy problems, enviornment and our resourcefulness. Highly recommended.

Heart-rending interviews of elderly people recalling the experience of being brought to new communities throughout the country. Sad yet uplifting. Gorgeous cinematography and score.

Every child in our revolving foster care system today clearly understands The Orphan Trains...always moving...one town after another, many homes, and on to the next. I know this experience personally, as an orphan in the 4050 60s. I was one of the lucky ones who finally @12 yrs. old was given 4 yrs. in an orphanage run like a boarding school, with nurchuring love added. This sweet love took people from all walks of life to care...and it literally saved mine.

1967 proved to be a significant year during the Vietnam War, and the light at the end of the tunnel of victory forecast was premature.

This was a birthday present for my father-in-law which he loved. As a Vet, he really appreciated content and presentation.

lots of static affecting sound quality otherwise good video.

This DVD is a must for everyone interested in studying the Vietnam War and the culture of the antiwar movement in 1967 America.

I found The Buried Children by Daniel Farcas to be a more intriguing story and deeply touching. Made me laugh and cry in the same time! A true story written by the homeless child himself. The Orphan Trains is more commercial in exchange.

I am a retired History teacher. I purchased this DVD because I was reading the book The Orphan Train and wanted to learn more. The story was riveting and filled with personal stories that really touched my heart. I was aware of the Orphan Train program, and a dear friend of my mothers was one of those children. However seeing this video made the stories of those who were interviewed even more poignant. I would highly recommend this video be shown in schools as a part of a U.S. History unit on immigration.

Another for wild west history buffs.

Brings back memories of when we were great.

A great film, thank you.

This wasnt the video I expected. I got it mixed up with the HBO production. However, I thought it was well done and quite interesting.