The Heart of Steel

The heroic efforts of a group of “renegade volunteers” at Ground Zero in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 are recalled in this homespun but affecting documentary, consisting primarily of interviews with crew members who describe—with a mixture of remembered horror and understandable pride—their initial reactions to news of the tragedy, the difficulty some had in cajoling their way onto the site to assist in the rescue work, their extraordinary efforts to secure desperately needed resources and equipment, and the disappointments and occasional triumphs they experienced as the recovery attempt proceeded. The title itself comes from a prized keepsake given to one of the volunteers by a worker—a piece of metal from the collapsed towers carved in the shape of a heart. In collecting this personal testimony about the days following the attack on the World Trade Center, the film serves as a significant documentary resource in its own right, but in the most fundamental terms, The Heart of Steel is simply a powerful demonstration of remarkable courage in the face of disaster after one of the most terrible moments in American history. This “commemorative edition” features the original 54-minute version, a shortened cut for classroom use, a lesson plan for schools, a discussion guide, and a photo gallery. [Note: the original film is also available from the company's website at www.theheartofsteel.com for $29.95.] Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)