Terrence McNally’s play centers on a young man’s death from AIDS, and how his mother and lover cope, separately and together, with the tragedy of losing the person they both loved most. Starring Richard Thomas (The Waltons, Wonder Boys) and Sada Thompson (Pollock, Family).
Subjects: History
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The Battle Over Citizen Kane
This Academy Award® nominated two-hour documentary offers a detailed on and off the set perspective on the historic “clash of the titans.” Through amazingly candid interviews with Orson Welles, the stars of Citizen Kane, and associates of both combatants, discover what made Welles so revered and Hearst so vindictive. Extensive film clips from Citizen Kane and fascinating biographical profiles of both men (including rare footage from San Simeon and Welles’ historic War of the Worlds broadcast) reveal new facts in the power struggle between two proud, gifted, and destructive Americans on a fateful collision course.
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Immigration to the United States: American Heritage Series
Revisit America’s history of immigration via the correspondence between young Mai in China, and her Grandfather who lives halfway around the world. Follow the trail of letters as grandfather allays Mai’s fear of the unknown. He answers her many questions about America?s history of immigration. The stories of hardships endured by the immigrants are tempered with the rewards of living free and the impact they made on the greatest cultural ‘melting pot’ in the world. DVD features include on-screen teacher’s guide and vocabulary plus chapter selections.
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Native Americans: American Heritage Series
Experience the rich history of the Native Americans through the eyes of young Suzy Redhawk as she recounts the stories told to her by her wise grandmother. From the rocky northwest coastline through the desert mesas, across the Great Plains to the eastern woodlands, Suzy visits each magnificent tribal culture as they commune with nature and provide valuable lessons in life. DVD features include on-screen teacher’s guide and vocabulary plus chapter selections.
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The Executive Branch
Students learn how the Constitution established the Executive Branch and provided for the separation of powers and the relationship of the Executive Branch to the Legislative and Judicial Branches of the federal government. The powers granted to the Executive Branch are covered as well as the requirements for holding the office of President. Also, explains how the Presidency has evolved in terms of its influence and exercise of power since the Constitution was ratified.
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The Judicial Branch
The origins of the Judicial Branch and Supreme Court are addressed here, also an examination of the Supreme Court’s power to influence American history and society in profound ways. It shows how the exercise of this power has often been controversial and that the philosophy of the court can change as different justices are appointed and because of the political and social climates of the time. The supreme Court’s influence on other branches of the federal government is also revealed.
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The Legislative Branch
Students learn about the creation and functions of the Legislative Branch. They learn the requirements for becoming a member of Congress, the process by which a bill becomes a law, the structure of the House of Representatives and Senate, the role of committees, Speaker of the House, the Vice President, the powers of Congress and the interaction of the Legislative Branch with other branches of government.
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Early Settlers: The Era of Colonization
Students witness colonial life in a new land as Annabel Lee Sloan, with the help of her diary, reminisces about the wonderful homecomings she had with her father when he would return from his many travels and reveal to her the fascinating tales of a new and ever-growing nation. We travel from the ports of New England to the lush fields of the South-and everywhere in between-so that we may witness the politics, economy, and culture of a new people and a new land. DVD features include on-screen teacher’s guide and vocabulary plus chapter selections.
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Pioneers: The American Frontier
With the help of Lester Conrad, a pioneer scout, students learn who the pioneers were, experience life as a pioneer, and travel along with pioneers as they leave the crowded cities in the East through the frontier to a better life in the West. Relive the journey through the hardships, sacrifices, accomplishments and glory of the pioneers. DVD features include on-screen teacher’s guide and vocabulary plus chapter selections.
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Civil War
Witness the conflict between North and South and the South’s eventual secession that led to a rush to arms, pitting countryman against countryman. This program utilizes exciting re-enactments, artifacts, and interviews to explore key battles of the Civil War, life on the Northern and Southern home fronts, and the role of African Americans in the war. Concludes with the Emancipation Proclamation, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the fall of the Confederacy. DVD features include on-screen teacher’s guide and vocabulary plus chapter selections.