Berlin: Journey of a City

Using the 1994 departure of American and British troops from Berlin as a theme, this tape looks back over the city's traumatic post-World War II history, focusing primarily on the military powers involved in what became the front line of the Cold War. Interviews with American military personnel, statesmen, and Berliners interweave memories and personal experiences with documentary newsreel and television reportage. One interview concerns an American "candy bomber" who dropped miniature parachutes of candy to children during the Berlin Airlift and the (former) child who had begged him to fly over her house; the two are reunited here. The construction, then the ultimate destruction, of the Wall are chronicled, followed by a discussion of what the united city faces today. While Berliners maintained all along that their city could never really be divided, unification has brought some unexpected difficulties. However, a German student points out that theirs will be a new generation used to living together as one city. The excellent editing of music, video and sound plus the great price make this a good choice for schools and public libraries. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)