The Story of Money

A two-part video with no discernible point, the first volume of The Story of Money, entitled "All About Money" might have been more appropriately titled "Almost About Money," since the filmmakers fly off on so many tangents that the video only sporadically comes to grips with any concrete notions regarding money (the segment on Japan is particularly obtuse and offers nothing germane to the alleged subject). When the program does offer information pertinent to the subject, it tends to be either common knowledge or totally obvious. The second volume, "The Secret Life of Money," attempts to show how money in the right hands at the right time has altered history. The segments on the Rothschild family, Renaissance wealth and patronage and the development of Middle Eastern trade routes are effective in an otherwise undistinguished effort. Had the film really explored its titular subject, while skipping duh-obvious remarks from savants like Donald Trump, this might have been a welcome addition. Not recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)