The movie "American Experience: The Gilded Age" is a historical documentary television film that originally aired on PBS in 2018. It is narrated by Oliver Platt and runs for approximately two hours. The film explores the period in American history known as the Gilded Age, which took place from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. This was a time of great economic growth and industrialization in the United States, but it was also a time of extreme social inequality, corruption, and political unrest.
The documentary begins by examining the nature of the Gilded Age and the forces that shaped it. It highlights the growth of the railroad industry, the emergence of big business, and the rise of wealthy industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller.
It also explores the social and political issues of the time, including the struggle for women's suffrage, the rise of labor unions, and the tension between urban and rural populations. The documentary delves into the political corruption that was rampant during this time, including the infamous Tammany Hall political machine in New York City.
The film features a number of historians and experts who provide insight and analysis throughout the documentary. They discuss the impact of the Gilded Age on American society and how it set the stage for many of the political and economic issues that continue to shape the country today.
Throughout the documentary, viewers are introduced to a wide range of individuals who helped shape the Gilded Age, including labor leaders like Samuel Gompers and Eugene V. Debs, suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and politicians like Theodore Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryan.
The film's use of archival footage and historical reenactments helps to bring the period to life, giving viewers a sense of what life was like during this time of immense change and upheaval in American history.
Overall, "American Experience: The Gilded Age" is a thought-provoking and informative documentary that sheds light on one of the most fascinating and tumultuous periods in American history. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this era, this film is sure to provide valuable insights and perspective.
American Experience:The Gilded Age is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 113 hours.
