Biographies & History
North Carolina 1863, the Civil War is raging. In this inspired story of tragedy and love we follow the lives of Melody, a precocious seven-year old, and her young mother Sarabeth as they struggle on their farm to survive the war.
The mighty Mississippi River bleeds muddy water into an alluvial plain, what is known as The Mississippi Delta. Thousands of slaves were brought in from West Africa to the Mississippi Delta. Their task was to clear the forest with hand saws and axes, build the levees, then till and plant cotton in the newly uncovered earth. It was a place of total isolation from the outside world, known as Plantations. The music helped them endure and flowed like no other place on Earth.
He was born into a wealthy Brazilian family. He competed in 161 Grand Prix over ten years. And he took 64 Pole Positions, winning a massive 41 of them. He has been described as being charismatic, single-minded, and totally focused, as well as lauded by his peers as“an extraordinary driver, and an extraordinary person”. Aryton Senna was the idol for millions of Formula One fans, one of them being current champion Lewis Hamilton, who lists Senna alongside Alain Prost as his heroes. To so many of his fans and colleagues, he is remembered as one of the greatest Formula One champions of all time.
This film highlights the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King and the popular movement that led to the passage of congressional legislation to create a national holiday in his honor.The one hour film, co-hosted by actors LeVar Burton and Marla Gibbs, features exclusive interviews with Coretta King and Stevie Wonder. The Program discusses the King Holiday legislation that was introduced in Congress days after Dr. King was assassinated and took fifteen years to become law in 1983. The program features the inspiring and historic speeches of Dr. King and live performance on the National Mall of Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday".
James Brown: The Man, The Music & The Message is an inspiring program focusing on the remarkable life story of James Brown and how he influenced the world through his music and civic accomplishments. The film specifically explores James Brown's transition from an at-risk youth who faces life's difficult circumstances and challenges to a cultural icon. It also features private interviews and appearances from various entertainment celebrities including Michael Jackson. This entertainment special will send a positive message to the nation by paying homage to the man, the music, and the message of James Brown.
Why did the German Church embrace Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party? And what was a good German, a deeply religious and spiritual man, to do about it? Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a young German theologian who offered one of the first clear voices of resistance to Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer openly challenged his church to stand with the Jews in their time of greatest need. And he eventually joined to plots to kill Hitler. Extensive research in the US and Europe brings to life this amazing story of moral courage. Extraordinary archival footage is interwoven with interviews with friends, family students of Bonhoeffer, leading historians and theologians. The words of Bonhoeffer are read by actor Klaus Maria Brandauer.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been described as the “perfect footballer”, for his leadership on the field; his power running, and his uncanny ability to “find the back of the net”. Off-field he is the ultimate marketing machine,loved by young and old, male and female football fans. This program looks at the achievements of Manchester United’s famous midfielder, as well as the scandals that threatened to derail his brilliant career
Global phenomenon, fashion icon, multi-millionaire– these are only some of the labels given to one of the best soccer players of all time, David Beckham. Such is his fame that the average bystander will be able to tell you who he plays for,who he’s married to, and the names of his children in chronological order! Remarkably though, he hasn’t let his status go to his head. He recognizes that he is a role model to his young fans, and keeps it real by never refusing to sign an autograph.
From an early age, David Beckham wanted to be a soccer player and not just any soccer player - he wanted to play for Manchester United and become a leading name in the sport. By the young age of 28, he'd become one of the most well-known names around the world, worn the coveted 'No 7' shirt in the most successful United squad ever, captained the England team in a World Cup tournament and signed a multi-million pound deal with another major name in soccer, Real Madrid. This is an extraordinary story of success which includes rare footage both on and off the pitch....this is The Rise and Rise of David Beckham.
LA Galaxy's David Beckham and his story to greatness. Watch as David Beckham grew from a young player at English Premier League Club Manchester United in 1991 to Major League Soccer Club in Los Angeles.
Just one decade after apartheid ended, South Africawon the right to host the 2010 World Cup.The announcement turned the dreams of the Rainbow Nation into a reality, becoming the first African country to host thebiggest single sport event in the world.This comprehensive documentary leaves no stone unturned as it investigates South Africa’s incredible journey to hostthe World Cup
Brazil has gifted the football world with names like Ronaldinho, Pele and Ronaldo, but during the last decade one player has emerged, with a name no one is likely to forget in a hurry!Sixty-eight million Euros was the transfer fee paid by Real Madrid to secure the services of Riccardo Isaacson Del Sato Lete, or Kaka, from former team AC Milan. The attacking midfielder has been likened to Brazilian greats in just his first few years playing for the premier league, with his pace and creativity exciting football fans everywhere.
From the days when his father would take him to watch Formula One greats Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, Lewis Hamilton dreamed of joining the ranks of his racing heroes. This he eventually did; becoming the youngest driver to ever pilot a F1 car, in 2007.Hamilton grew up in Hartfordshire, in the United Kingdom, where at the age of 7 he started racing radio-controlled cars for fun. He soon moved onto the more challenging Go-Karts; then Formula 3 cars, in which he won the British Championship. Hamilton was never shy of his talent. He approached McLaren boss Ron Dennis at the age of ten and told him he was one day going to drive a McLaren. Ron replied, “Wait nine years and I’ll see what I can do”
We Are United: an unauthorized story on Manchester United will take viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the peaks and troughs of the Man U story – from the second division struggles of the 1920s and the Post-War glory days of Matt Busby’s reign to the heart-rending tragedy of the Munich Air Disaster and the long haul back to the top with the help of Bobby Charlton and the sport’s first superstar, George Best
Officially labeled 'The greatest driver Formula One has ever seen', Schumacher has redefined this elite sport through his ability, dedication, media presence and appeal. The first German to ever win the Formula One World Championship, Michael Schumacher is revered and single-handedly credited with popularizing this sport in his country and beyond.This is an objective look at Schumacher's journey, and the ongoing impact of his contribution to Formula One.
Muhammad Ali the boxer was also an Olympic Gold medalist and the first to win the linear heavyweight title three times. Muhammad Ali the star was a jive-talking showman who had reporters eating out of his hands, always wondering what he was going to say next. Muhammad Ali the humanitarian gave cause to his countrymen to find their place in the world. Ali grew up in Louisville, Kentucky as Cassius Clay Jr, and started boxing at an early age. Working on his fitness he’d run beside the school bus rather than catch it, and spar under an old cedar tree in his front yard. He took up boxing so that he would be ready if he ever caught up with the thieves who stole a treasured bicycle. But boxing became so much more to him than just a way to get revenge or defend himself.
Tiger Woods' talent began to show at an astonishingly early age, having had a golf club put in his hand at just three years old by his parents, who clearly had lofty ambitions for their young son. He managed to not only reach those heights but exceed them, and regularly names his father as one of his mentors and guiding lights. Winning the Junior World Championships six times, Woods, at fifteen, became the youngest ever Junior Amateur Champion.
Zinedine Zidane loves football. Even after a stellar career spanning 20 years, he admits to still being in the thrall of the game he started playing as a disadvantaged youth In Marseilles, France. In many ways his childhood helped him prepare for the pressures of the world game. It taught him to dream; and to not give up on that dream when the going got tough. However, it also provided him with his Achilles heel – his quick temper, which seemed out of character with the normally docile young player. He seemed unable to back down after being provoked, which eventually lead to him earning the dubious honor of becoming the first player to be sent off during extra time in a World Cup Final.
The story of this victorious automobile could not be complete without a close-up look at the man who was most responsible for achieving its many elusive accolades during the Golden Age of Professional Sports Car Racing, Henri Chemin.
Trace 76 years in the life of a seasoned politician who enjoyed long tenures as a member and Chairman of both the House Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees. He has crafted laws relating to budget, crime, violence against women and tax relief. Yet, controversies remain on his resume. Now Joe faces the biggest race of his life as he battles for the White House, becoming the Comeback King.