In Quest Of Peace: The Story Of Dwight David Eisenhower

Dwight David Eisenhower, or "Ike" as he was affectionately known, was our 34th President, and perhaps the most popular president in the history of the U.S. Produced by the Kansas Eisenhower Centennial Commission to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Eisenhower's birth, "In Quest of Peace" is a loving and well-filmed tribute to "Ike," which chronicles his growing up in the small town of Abilene, Kansas; his sprawling family, his acceptance at West Point; and his illustrious military career which culminated in his being named Supreme Allied Commander of Europe during WWII. Interviews with biographer Kenneth Davis, son John Eisenhower, and granddaughter Susan Eisenhower offer insights into both the political and personal lives of Eisenhower. Though uninterested in politics, Eisenhower's global popularity made him a natural candidate, and in 1952 he defeated Adlai Stevenson to commence his presidency, which would run two terms. On the one hand, Eisenhower was responsible for the interstate highway system; the creation of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; ending the Korean War; founding NASA; and balancing the budget. On the other, he was criticized for his weak stance on McCarthyism, the U2 incident, the space race, and his disagreement with the Brown decision on integration. A fascinating portrait. Highly recommended. (Available from: Kaw Valley Films & Video, P.O. Box 3900, Shawnee, KS 66203; 1-800332-5060.)