Both loved and loathed, the former New Amsterdam is arguably the best known city in the United States, the best known city under 500 years old, and love them or despise them, the tourist trap of all tourist traps. But how did that all begin? It's been documented in volumes of books, some now dusty archives in the bowels of the New York public library. It's a city of immigrants, a city of transients, a city of the proud native who wouldn't leave the city, let alone their neighborhood, for anything.
This is a tale of how the five Burroughs got together as one mega city, how the names were influenced by its residents. Through readings, poetry of those who loved the city more than any other place on earth, through the memories of those still living remembering important people and events. Racial tensions, depression, war, political corruption, yet home to the greatest arts in America, that to rival the great museums and music halls and theaters of Europe.
The seven part documentary focuses on the history, the very important people both good and bad, the architecture, the social impact of every race, religion, culture and creed and how the financial industry was formulated. Vintage footage dating back to the nineteenth century shows the growth of the city. Lovingly narrated by veteran stage, screen and TV actor Davis Ogden Steirs, this never drags. Impacts of the end of slavery resulting in race riots and the Triangle Fire with have you in shock over their impact on every level of humanity.
Then there's the political machine, from the days of Alexander Hamilton (yes, the Hamilton of a certain rap musical drama) to Boss Tweed (a character in a forgotten musical called "Up in Central Park") to James J. Walker and Fiorello LaGuardia, subjects of their own Broadway shows. More famous and infamous New Yorkers are legendary today than residents of any other city. Is it any wonder that there are more songs about New York than any other city in the world?
While this ends just before the tragedy of September 11, 2001, there's enough history here to keep you glued. In fact, there is enough history in New York City itself to have a weekly documentary for a full year. Memories of historical New York exists everywhere you go, and if this opens you up to taking a walking tour to see those places, don't be surprised to feel the presence of ghostly figures. This is a city that has seen its triumphs and tragedies, its cruelties and kindnesses, and the welcoming of those who sought a new life after hearing about that amazing lady with the torch who still guards our harbor today.
This is a tale of how the five Burroughs got together as one mega city, how the names were influenced by its residents. Through readings, poetry of those who loved the city more than any other place on earth, through the memories of those still living remembering important people and events. Racial tensions, depression, war, political corruption, yet home to the greatest arts in America, that to rival the great museums and music halls and theaters of Europe.
The seven part documentary focuses on the history, the very important people both good and bad, the architecture, the social impact of every race, religion, culture and creed and how the financial industry was formulated. Vintage footage dating back to the nineteenth century shows the growth of the city. Lovingly narrated by veteran stage, screen and TV actor Davis Ogden Steirs, this never drags. Impacts of the end of slavery resulting in race riots and the Triangle Fire with have you in shock over their impact on every level of humanity.
Then there's the political machine, from the days of Alexander Hamilton (yes, the Hamilton of a certain rap musical drama) to Boss Tweed (a character in a forgotten musical called "Up in Central Park") to James J. Walker and Fiorello LaGuardia, subjects of their own Broadway shows. More famous and infamous New Yorkers are legendary today than residents of any other city. Is it any wonder that there are more songs about New York than any other city in the world?
While this ends just before the tragedy of September 11, 2001, there's enough history here to keep you glued. In fact, there is enough history in New York City itself to have a weekly documentary for a full year. Memories of historical New York exists everywhere you go, and if this opens you up to taking a walking tour to see those places, don't be surprised to feel the presence of ghostly figures. This is a city that has seen its triumphs and tragedies, its cruelties and kindnesses, and the welcoming of those who sought a new life after hearing about that amazing lady with the torch who still guards our harbor today.