You don’t have to be a librarian to know who Andrew Carnegie is, the steel magnate and philanthropist who donated approximately $356 million during his lifetime, funding nearly 3,000 libraries and other institutions, including Carnegie Hall in New York City. But there was also much more to Carnegie, according to Vicky Matthews’s documentary, which begins with Carnegie’s birth in 1835 in a small village in Scotland. Due to an economic downturn, Carnegie’s parents left for the U.S., settling in Pittsburgh. Carnegie’s first job was as a "bobbin boy" in a factory, and through "Scottish determination" he was able to work his way up, taking risks and ultimately building a fortune in the steel industry. In an authentic Scottish burr, Brian Cox reads text inspired by the words of Andrew Carnegie, while in later segments Corey Johnson narrates Theodore Roosevelt’s comments. The two men forged a relationship because of Carnegie’s work as a pacifist, although in this respect the pugnacious Roosevelt would let Carnegie down. Historians, authors, philanthropists, professors, and family members talk about Carnegie, combined with archival and contemporary footage and photos along with animated maps to help track his accomplishments. Although some descendants of Carnegie speak onscreen, the film mainly concentrates on Carnegie’s professional accomplishments, philanthropic acts, anti-war endeavors, and other interests. Despite occasionally loud background music, Andrew Carnegie presents an evenhanded look at the steel magnate whose legacy lives on through buildings, trusts, and foundations. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Beauregard)
Andrew Carnegie: Rags to Riches, Power to Peace
(2015) 75 min. DVD: $50.99 ($125 w/PPR): public libraries; $295 w/PPR: colleges & universities. DRA. Collective Eye Films. Closed captioned. Volume 34, Issue 5
Andrew Carnegie: Rags to Riches, Power to Peace
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