Watch American Experience: The Boys of '36

American Experience: The Boys of '36 is a documentary film directed by Margaret Grossi and produced by Margaret Grossi and Chris Durrance. The film takes us on a journey to the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Berlin, where nine young men from the University of Washington, rowing against all odds, brought home gold for the United States in a sport widely considered to be the preserve of the rich and elite.

Featuring interviews with the surviving members of the team, as well as historians and experts, the film explores the social and economic backgrounds of the young men who dared to dream big and defy their humble beginnings by setting their sights on the Olympics. Hailing from impoverished families in the Depression-era Pacific Northwest, these boys had nothing to lose and everything to gain by dedicating their lives to a sport that promised them nothing but grueling hardship and the chance to represent their country at the grandest stage of all.

Against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the rise of Hitler's Germany, The Boys of '36 tells the story of an unlikely group of young men who, through sheer grit and determination, made history by defeating the favored Italian and German teams in the rowing finals at the Olympics. Drawing on archival footage, photographs, and personal anecdotes, the film takes us on a journey through the trials and tribulations of these young men as they overcame adversity to achieve their dreams.

The film does not merely focus on the athletic achievements of the team; it also explores the complex social and political issues of the time. The Boys of '36 highlights the difficulties faced by working-class families during the Depression, and the limited opportunities available to young men from such backgrounds. It also looks at the broader context of the Berlin Olympics, which were used extensively by Hitler's propaganda machine to promote Nazi ideology and to showcase the supposed superiority of the Aryan race.

The Boys of '36 is a poignant and inspiring film that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The film captures the incredible journey of nine young men who, with little more than their courage, determination, and love for their country, made history by winning Olympic gold. Through the eyes of the surviving members of the team, we witness a story of true grit and determination, of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, and of camaraderie and brotherhood that transcended social and economic barriers.

Oliver Platt's narration provides a strong and emotional anchor for the film. His voice adds gravitas to the story and brings a sense of empathy and connection to the struggles of the young men featured in the film. The documentary is beautifully shot and edited, with stunning black and white archival footage that gives the film a timeless quality.

American Experience: The Boys of '36 is a powerful reminder of the importance of never giving up on our dreams, and of the transformative power of sports to bring people together and inspire them to achieve great things. This film is a must-see for anyone who loves sports, history, or just a good underdog story. It is a poignant and inspiring tribute to the indomitable spirit of the human race.

American Experience: The Boys of '36 is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 53 minutes.