Product Details

• Actors: Michael Murphy, Elvis Costello, Sinéad O'Connor, Van Morrison, Mary Black
• Directors: Mark Zwonitzer, Thomas Lennon
• Writers: Mark Zwonitzer, Thomas Lennon, Oren Jacoby, Richard Ben Cramer, Thomas N. Brown
• Producers: Jane West
• Format: Box set, Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 2
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: June 16, 1997
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0767000781
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,933 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #65 in

  Video > Documentary > History > American History & Culture

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
With their hearts, wits, and fists, they made America their own. On the parade grounds of the Colonies, in the railyards of the old West, in the vibrant celebrations of today's Saint Patrick's Day parades--the story of America is the story of its Irish immigrants.

This extraordinary program follows the nations first immigrant group on their journey to the American Dream. From war hero and President Andrew Jackson to union organizer Mother Jones, you'll meet the colorful Irish Americans who fought and worked their way past oppression and into history. Dramatic re-creations, stirring readings, songs, and interviews, with leading historians offering insights into the events that have made the Irish an integral part of the American fabric.

Product Description
With their hearts, wits, and fists, they made America their own. On the parade grounds of the Colonies, in the railyards of the Old West, in the vibrant celebrations of today's Saint Patrick's Day Parades-the story of America is the story of its Irish immigrants. Follow the nation's first immigrant group on their epic adventure into the American Dream. From war hero Andrew Jackson to self-made tycoon Diamond Jim Brady, boxer John L. Sullivan to union organizer "Mother" Jones, meet the colorful Irish- Americans who fought and worked their way past oppression and into history. Dramatic re-creations, stirring readings, songs and interviews with the world's leading historians offer insights into the remarkable events that made the Irish an integral part of the American fabric. Aidan Quinn narrates this unforgettable tribute to determination, humor and freedom a tribute to THE IRISH IN AMERICA.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as the PBS series, April 22, 1999

By A Customer

This video, while informative, lacked the "feeling" of the series on PBS. Specifically, it lacked the anecdotal information. For example, the PBS series revealed that the Irishman's value was more as ballast than as a passenger on the trip to America since the trade surplus from cotton, tobacco, etc. meant nearly empty ships returning to America from England. That type of insight into everyday life was lacking, in my opinion, in this video.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Amazing!, June 15, 2000

By	James E. Coelho (San Diego) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Irish In America: Long Journey Home [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This mini-series was compiled with pure-genious. The content will make ANYONE understand the perils and hardships the Irish had to face in order to prosper in America. I also recommend the outstanding soundtrack (same title) with it's own list of favorable reviews.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, inspiring, and fun, November 3, 2003

By	Jim O'Brien "JamesMark" (Franklin, PA) - See all my reviews

This two-part video is a very satisfying and informative presentation about the immigration of the Irish to America.

Like the Irish themselves, this video is sprinkled with humor ... but the hardships they faced and their determination to prevail ... are brought out to the viewers as well. The narration is excellent. And seven or eight experts on Irish history are used throughout the presentation, and they do a fine job of bringing home the plight and the indomitable spirit of these plucky immigrants to America.

For me personally this video was a good source of heritage-type information. I found things I could hold onto and cherish ... things about my ancestry and other clues to what I am about ... and I came away with a greater appreciation for the Irish who lived here in America before me.