MacArthur

Chronicling the story of five-star General Douglas MacArthur, this entry in the excellent American Experience series begins in 1884 with Arthur MacArthur II, his wife and three small sons (including 4-year-old Douglas), being sent to New Mexico to handle the Apache rebellions, and ends in 1964 with General MacArthur's burial at West Point in Virginia. Filled with photographs, newsreel footage, letters, and interviews with biographers, family members, close associates, and historians, this well researched documentary presents a thorough, unbiased, and multi-faceted look at the complex MacArthur. Viewers will learn how MacArthur's values and character were shaped by the childhood influences of his grandfather, siblings, parents and their military lifestyle, and how these traits were reflected in the public and private decisions, attitudes and ambitions of MacArthur throughout his life. Alternately worshipped as a national hero or despised, MacArthur's career was peppered with ironic incidents, from being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor after his greatest defeat in the Philippines to the huge homecoming parade that was held in his honor after being removed from command during the Korean War by President Truman in 1951. Encompassing an astonishing military career that spanned over five decades and three wars, this outstanding portrait will prove thought-provoking and enlightening to students, historians, and armchair enthusiasts alike. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)