Amazon.com
Just like the decade before it, the 1950s began with a war, although thankfully the conflict with Korea, as bloody as it was, didn't draw in the entire world. This documentary, an installment of a 10-volume set chronicling the entire 20th century, documents how America endured the Korean War, Senator Joseph McCarthy's Red Scare, and the deep fears of the cold war. Even as a generation of World War II veterans moved out to the suburbs and began raising families, many people saw the need to build bomb shelters in their backyards. In school, the "duck and cover" drills were practiced, and vintage civil defense films portray the profound fear of nuclear war. Despite this dire atmosphere, the documentary also shows how Americans managed to have fun, worshipping new heroes such as Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Elvis Presley. Television was the big thing, and even political figures began to see the great influence TV would have on America. And of course the decade wouldn't be complete without a look at the conflict between the proponents of the new sound, rock & roll, and conservatives who thought the music would lead to the downfall of society. This is an informative and generally entertaining look at a decade of sharp contradictions.
--Robert J. McNamara
