Product Details

• Actors: Dylan Baker, Richard Easton, Colm Feore
• Directors: Ellen Hovde, Muffie Meyer
• Format: NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: Unrated
• Studio: Pbs (Direct)
• DVD Release Date: November 19, 2002
• Run Time: 210 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00007KE63
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #60,972 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Everyone knows about the kite and the key, the Declaration of Independence, and Poor Richard's Almanac, but nonscholars will find much to learn in this documentary tracing the epic of Benjamin Franklin's life. Using actors Dylan Baker and Richard Easton as Franklin speaking his own words, the makers of this PBS offering bring his writings to life without resorting to corny dramatizations. The documentary first explores his education as a minister, career as a printer, and retirement to a life of science at the age of 47. The second part explores his transformation to revolutionary: his life in England and eventual rejection of its domination, the resulting painful split with his son, and his colonial radicalism at age 70. The final chapter of his life takes place in France, where he operates with subterfuge to win France's support against the English and more or less invents diplomacy. --Kimberly Heinrichs

From the Back Cover
"Benjamin Franklin" traces Franklin's epic life from humble beginnings to fame as a scientist, founding father and America's first diplomat to France. Tony Award-winner Richard Easton and a cast of distinguished actors bring Franklin's 18th-century world vividly to life. Surprising, moving and full of Franklin's own wit and wisdom, "Benjamin Franklin is the exuberant portrait of a true American original.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Of Course It Won an EMMY AWARD, October 10, 2003

By A Customer

This is a superbly entertaining documentary capturing the brilliance, boldness, and bawdiness of Ben Franklin. It covers Franklin's rise to wealth as a businessman who, among other things, established perhaps the first organization for young entrepeneurs to network. It chronicles his role as a scientist (experimenting with electricity) and inventor (e.g., the Franklin stove and bifocals). Then we see how Franklin's role as diplomat helped secure the American colonies' success in freeing themselves from British rule. This documentary captures both Franklin's genius and his impishness. Franklin was a shrewd strategist who achieved his aims through calculation, perseverance, and a nimble wit. Not the typical marble statue portrayal of one of our founding fathers, "Benjamin Franklin," shows the real flesh and blood character of Franklin who was nothing if not colorful.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC BIO!, January 28, 2003

By A Customer

Not only does this documentary keeps you interested, it brings it to life with wonderful acting. The script is based on all of the letters from Franklin makes this a great dvd to own because of it's uniqueness. There are times as if Ben himself was speaking to the camera, and there are moments that will have you laughing, OUT LOUD! Great perspective on a man who we know but at the same time we do not know enough (for example, out of all the "founding fathers" he was the only one who was against slavery). A great job!

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Documentary - Entertaining and Informative, July 24, 2003

By	J. Herndon (Rockwall, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one of my favorite documentaries to date. The acting is top notch for the young Franklin, the elder Franklin, and others in Franklin's life. Re-enactments and unique footage fill the majority of scenes instead of musty paintings or drawings. The whole documentary has a fresh and witty feel.

What impressed me most, though, was how clearly and informatively the documentary sets out the life of Franklin, his character, and his effect on early America and the world. Not only is he revealed as a genius and a founding father, he is shown as a humorous man and the quintessential American. Franklin displays all the unique traits that define the American character, from the refusal to accept social status as fixed by birth to the constant search for scientific truths.

Two parts, both excellent. The documentary should have great appeal to any age with even the vaguest interest in American history.