The Rich in America

"There are V.I.P.'s and there's the rest of us," says syndicated gossip columnist Liz Smith. Presented by the editors of Town & Country (i.e., the rich are not exactly dragged through the critical dirt here), this program traces the rise of old money New York society during the mid-19th century, followed by a look at the upstart rich produced during the Industrial Age. Naturally there were battles (i.e., party invitations, or lack thereof) between the old rich and nouveau riche, and these petty squabbles are lovingly detailed here. These were the true salad days when dogs wore $15,000 collars, and exploitation of the masses was simply business as usual. The video concludes with an appropriately brief mention of the world's richest man--Bill Gates--who is as far removed from the Town & Country set as you or I. Sure to be popular, this slightly fawning appraisal is recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)