This is the story of the dangers of unbridled economic expansion and unchecked capitalism. The burst of the tech bubble? Nope, Stories From the Mines is about the primary energy source of the early 20th century: anthracite coal, and its human cost. Although found throughout the world in much smaller amounts, the lion's share of anthracite coal was mined in northeast Pennsylvania. This local-Emmy-nominated production mixes historic photographs and footage, superbly-acted vignettes, and interviews with historians and other experts to tell the stories of the immigrants who supplied the back-breaking labor (and paid the human toll, sometimes in debilitating health problems, other times in lives lost in rebellions and massacres), as well as the financiers and profiteers who controlled the men and the mines. In the end, the film paints a cautionary tale about the dangers of unbridled capitalism, while also exploring the exploitation of workers, the impacts of ethnic bigotry, and the rise of labor unions. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Block)
Stories From the Mines
(2000) 60 min. VHS: $149.95 (companion book included). United Studios of America (dist. by Films for the Humanities & Sciences). PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 0-7365-5671-0. Volume 18, Issue 6
Stories From the Mines
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