Portraits of the American Presidents: Foundations of the Republic

Washington, Adams, and Jefferson, our first three Presidents, set standards for the office that contemporary White House residents haven't quite met. Not only were these early Presidents cast in a role new to world history (a democratically elected ruler), but all three men were essential to the creation of the nation itself. While each individual's life could easily fill an epic-length movie, running time is a paramount concern with classroom materials, and therefore the lives and careers of all three founders are encapsulated in a 29-minute program (the first in a six-part series). Since this is the opening volume, a few minutes are spent talking about America and the office of the Presidency in general, but why on earth did the producers use Nixon's voice (of all people) for the sound clip of the Oath of Office? Also, when talking about the P's, the most recent Prez shown is George W. Bush--Senior (whose term ended ten years ago), and the next most recent is Ford, the two-year wonder who left office in 1976. Indeed, much of this tape has a dated look, as if old films were freshened up with some new video and remarketed. The other titles in the series are: Spirit of Democracy, National Struggle, Reconstruction, A New World Power and Vietnam & After. Optional. Aud: H, C. (R. Reagan)