Biography

A profile of orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (1818-95), who campaigned against slavery, discrimination and other injustices directed against blacks. Douglass, a former slave himself, also helped run the Underground Railroad, a series of safe houses for escaped slaves.

Harry S. Truman

His vision revolutionized industry, transformed life as we know it--and made him very, very rich.

Mata Hari

Paul Revere

A video tribute to a martial arts legend, Bruce Lee. Examined are his early years in Hong Kong and his journey to Hollywood, his role of Kato on the TV series 'The Green Hornet', and his years as the martial arts instructor to the stars. Lee's spectacular rise to super stardom through his Kung Fu films is detailed, with a revealing look at both the on-screen action and behind the scenes controversy. Celebrity interviews include actor James Coburn talking about Lee as a teacher and collaborator, and actress Diane McBain on Lee's Kato years. Lee's successors in martial arts cinema are profiled, and theories offered about mysterious deaths of Bruce Lee and his son Brandon. Plus rare footage and more! Although his life was cut short at the age of 32, Bruce Lee-- through his movies and his teachings-- will forever be remembered as the Immortal Dragon!

The life of comedy genius Sid Caesar with interviews and film clips

For over a year, he held a city hostage to fear. When he was finally caught, the nation was shocked to discover that the "face of terror" was a cherubic postal worker who smiled sweetly for the camera. David Berkowitz claimed the lives of six people in a killing spree that resulted in the largest manhunt in the history of New York. Once apprehended, he confessed to all the crimes and asked the judge to put him away forever so he would not kill again. In this comprehensive portrait, reporters and detectives who worked on the case, the parents of victims, a prosecutor and a former FBI profiler relive the case that galvanized a nation. Psychologists explore the many frustrations and disappointments that led Berkowitz to kill, and in a gripping interview, Berkowitz himself talks about his crimes and jailhouse transformation into the "Son of Hope." Today, he ministers to other prisoners and born-again Christians all over the world in hopes of restoring some meaning to his shattered life. From the dark streets of a shaken city to the jailhouse reformation, BIOGRAPHY examines the "Son of Sam."

“For 25 years Mao Zedong ruled one quarter of the world’s population. This is the extraordinary story of a farmer’s son who became a God in his life time but in private never shook off his peasant roots; a man who presided over one of the most radical experiments in social reform ever seen in human history but who will be remembered as one of the bloodiest dictators of the twentieth century. This program–told through the accounts of those who have met and studied him, loved and loathed him–includes archive film and pictures going back to the very earliest days of Mao’s life, as well as unique film of China at the turn of the century and during key episodes in Mao’s communist revolution. It includes harrowing and eye-witness accounts of such momentous events as the cultural revolution, the Great Leap Forward and the most severe man-made famine ever recorded.”

A biography of the life of Julia Child

From bootlegger to convict, to millionaire pornographer, to born-again Christian, to paraplegic gunshot-victim, Larry Flynt's life so far has been anything but ordinary. As the founder and publisher of Hustler Magazine Flynt broke new ground in porn publishing, offering filth and debauchery of a sort hitherto only imaginable. In his life Larry Flynt has always courted controversy, and along the way he's made himself the enemy of millions. But Larry Flynt always seems to come out on top. This comprehensive portrait follows Flynt from his dirt-poor Appalachian childhood to his surprising role as a poster-boy for First Amendment rights. Rare footage documents the defining moments in his life, from the launch of Hustler in 1974 to his landmark Supreme Court victory over Moral Majority head Jerry Falwell. In a moving interview, Flynt recalls his long and painful recovery from the assassination attempt that nearly took his life, and the tragic death of his wife. From selling moonshine to his dad to the controversial film that cemented his place in folklore, this is the controversial saga of Larry Flynt.

Born into a famous family of talented, but troubled actors, Drew Barrymore overcomes turmoil to become a Hollywood superstar.

Biography on the Action Legend from 2003.

Eva Braun's own home movie footage highlights this portrait of the enigmatic woman who was Hitler's mistress and at the end his wife.

Aileen Wuornos, a poor prostitute with an abusive past, becomes one of the most notorious female serial killers in American history.

A legend in his own time, he was once simply T.E. Lawrence, a child fascinated by archaeology. He grew up to work for British Military Intelligence, and ultimately joined the Arab Revolts. But what drove Lawrence in his passionate fight for Arab independence? This profile provides remarkable insights into the man whose romantic and violent story captivated the world.

A look at the actor who parlayed his martial arts skills into a successful acting career. We visit Chuck on the set of his new TV movie, Walker, Texas Ranger, giving Chuck the opportunity to return to the Cordell Walker role he played on TV for eight years. Chuck talks about his difficult childhood, his brother's death in Vietnam, his rise to the top of the karate world and friendship with Bruce Lee, and his divorce and remarriage.

He was one of America's greatest commanders, a warrior so tough and determined that he helped win World War II with a simple promise: "I shall return." Douglas MacArthur was a soldier's soldier the son of an officer, the star of West Point, the Army's youngest-ever full general.

A look at Dave Chappelles rise to a pinnacle in his career. A true comedic genius, in 2005 Chappelle was considered by many to be "the funniest man in Hollywood". This film covers the events surrounding Season 3 of "Chappelle's Show" which was scheduled to air on May 31, 2005. In that month, Chappelle stunned fans and the entertainment industry when he abruptly left during production of the third season of Chappelle's Show and took a trip to South Africa for two weeks. Essentially walking away from a deal with Comedy Central worth $50 Million Dollars We may never know the real reasons for this however this film gives great insight from people close to the event and several clips from Chappelle himself explaining things in his own words.

This entry in the "Biography" series showcases the life and career of the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield. Included are highlights of his early career--many people don't know that he began his comedy career in the 1940s under the name Jack Roy--and includes clips from his performances and interviews with friends, family, admirers and colleagues.