 Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
While I'm not learning much more than I already knew about the american involvement in WWII, nor indeed WWII in general, I'm finding Ken Burns' PBS documentary quite well done and affecting.
I only wish my father, who passed away 3 years ago and who served under Patton as a Grunt, was still alive so I could have watched it with him and gotten his impressions of it.
(BTW...what say we keep any responses here somewhat "academic" in nature and not turn this thread into any overt treatise on "patriotism"...okay folks?!)
Last edited by Dwight; 09/27/2007 2:12 AM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
It's on my list to purchase once it's offered on DVD. Let's just say that the PBS system is lacking a bit of clarity off the satellite here in rural Alabama. Burns has a good touch with documentary projects and I expect this to be on par with his previous offerings.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep Ed. Just as in his "Baseball", "The Civil War", "Mark Twain", and most of his other films(though for me "Jazz" was bit tough to get through to the end), this guy really knows his craft.
I think you'll also find it well done.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
I have been watching 'some' of it. It is on at a time when im trying to get the little ones into bed. I keep meaning to plug it into my tivo, but i havent yet. But I will.
From what i have seen of it so far it does look very good. A long time ago i used to watch a BBC series called "The World At War". Probably one of the best WWII documentries i have ever seen.
I have always watched WWII docu' with great intertest, but they have always been from a British standpoint. This new one on PBS gives a lot more of the American stories which i am enjoying a great deal (though, im not sure if factual real time footage of the war should be concided 'enjoyable' but im sure you know what I mean).
I have a number of books on WWII. I read about it a lot. Winston Churchills Memoir of WWII are a brilliant read and i would recomend it to anyone who has an interest in this moment in mankinds history. I have the abridge edition, the real thing is 12 volumes.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Quote:
While I'm not learning much more than I already knew about the american involvement in WWII, nor indeed WWII in general, I'm finding Ken Burn's PBS documentary quite well done and affecting.
I only wish my father, who passed away 3 years ago and who served under Patton as a Grunt, was still alive so I could have watched it with him and gotten his impressions of it.
(BTW...what say we keep any responses here somewhat "academic" in nature and not turn this thread into any overt treatise on "patriotism"...okay folks?!)
Heavens to Betsy.
No treatise is necessary at all.
I will be renting the Burns doc and making my own copy as soon as its available.
He does a good job.
LOL
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
WHEW!!!! You have NO IDEA how glad I was to read your well modulated take on this thread, Kev ol' boy!!! 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
He heeh he. Wouldna wanna make anyones round these parts feeling a bit emasculated or anything
My opinions on the subject are well known anyways.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 122
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 122 |
I'm watching it and think it been well done so far. I can remember the rationing and the tin foil drives at school when I was a kid. I can also remember hearing my parents talk about how serious the situation was at times, before we really got rolling.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2 |
Caught part 3 last night...very well done!
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
Caught part 3 last night...very well done!
Rob,
We are waiting to get YOUR part 3 ... THIS night!
What are you doing posting on other threads eh? 
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820 |
If you can't watch or buy this now, HERE'S the torrent download link for the first episode (it's in .mkv format), so if you cant play it with your media player HERE'S a tutorial on how to convert. Have fun... Nick
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297 |
No hijack, but Dwight, my Grandfather was with Patton for a while. 3rd Army. How about your Dad?
I haven't watched it, and my historian friends are not giving it the great reviews they gave the Civil War, Baseball, and Jazz. I loved all three, and finding new material about WWII has to be difficult.
I'll still watch.
In Between the Dark and the Light..
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 604
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 604 |
Yup.
He's bringing some things to light that I was unaware of.
My favorite CD is the sound track from Lewis and Clark.
Nice music in this one too.
Think I hear Jaqueline Schwab on piano.
Credits list Mark O'Connor and Andy Stein on fiddle.
Cellist is Amy something, & is used to good effect.
Said Molly to James, that's a fine motorbike.
Richard Thompson
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Quote:
He heeh he. Wouldna wanna make anyones round these parts feeling a bit emasculated or anything
My opinions on the subject are well known anyways.
I don't know Kevin, I've always had a hard time pinning you down on stuff...
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174 |
I think the Civil War series was better. This one is to PC for me. If I here another thing about japenese interment camps I this I'll get sick...
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Quote:
Quote:
He heeh he. Wouldna wanna make anyones round these parts feeling a bit emasculated or anything
My opinions on the subject are well known anyways.
I don't know Kevin, I've always had a hard time pinning you down on stuff...
Isn't it good to know there are no "grey" areas. Not a thing disengenuous.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I think the Civil War series was better. This one is to PC for me. If I here another thing about japanese interment camps I this I'll get sick...
I agree, Larry. "The Civil War" was more the definitive study, but this one does have it moments. What I appreciate mostly is the rare never before seen footage and stills. But I'm not so sure I'd classify this as "too PC". I think the Japanese-American camps, and the zenophobia and fear that created them do need to be covered.
Also, one of my favorite WWII flims has always been "Go For Broke", which as you may know is about the Japanese-American internment camps and the beyond brave 100th Battalian/442nd Regimental Combat Team which won more metals than any other battalian in the war, even though their loyalty to America was questioned by many "right thinking" americans at the time.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174 |
Executive Order 9066, signed by President Roosevelt on February 19, 1942 not only allowed the military to evict and intern Japanese- Americans but applied as well to German- and Italian-Americans.
I wonder why no mention of the other internment camps?
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Because the german and italian camps were only for non-citizen german and italian nationals residing in this country during the war. The vast number of the people interned in Manzanar and the rest of those camps were of japanese descent only, and were american citizens. That's the difference.
Their relocation order stated all those of Japanese "Ancestry" were to be interned.
Last edited by Dwight; 09/27/2007 3:05 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594 |
Quote:
A long time ago i used to watch a BBC series called "The World At War". Probably one of the best WWII documentries i have ever seen.
...
I have a number of books on WWII. I read about it a lot. Winston Churchills Memoir of WWII are a brilliant read and i would recomend it to anyone who has an interest in this moment in mankinds history. I have the abridge edition, the real thing is 12 volumes.
I haven't seen the "The War" yet, but I plan on going to that torrent link in a minute - I'm a huge WWII history buff. "The World at War" was excellent, I remember watching it on PBS when I was a kid, and recently bought the DVD collection. Not a high-tech production by today's standards, being made in the 70s, the upside was that many more of the people involved were alive and well to interview. Probably the most accurate and detailed account of WWII (e.g. where else will you hear that France invaded Germany first?)
The Churchill memoirs are a good idea, I'll have to find those - I've read Patton's memoirs, and of course read both the Rommel Papers and "Attacks". Anything by Stephen Ambrose is great, WWII or not.
And for the B.O.B. fans, a new book just came out by Bill Guarnere (sp?) and Babe Heffron, can't remember the name offhand but it was mentioned in the email I got from the National D-Day Museum.
By the way, I have a bunch of pics I took during my visit to Normandy, here's a link to my photobucket for those interested in seeing them - each pic is labeled what it is of.
Last edited by SSGRex; 09/27/2007 3:32 PM.
SFC, US Army (Ret)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
My mistake, Quote:
Winston Churchills Memoir of WWII are a brilliant read and i would recomend it to anyone who has an interest in this moment in mankinds history. I have the abridge edition, the real thing is 12 volumes.
It is 6 volumes not 12. Amazon have the abridge edition for $16.47
http://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Second-Wor...2785&sr=1-3
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
BTW, I too watched "The World At War" years ago, and yep, I also think that was the definitive essay on WWII. (leave it to the brits to do things right....except of course for that little devil of an englishman Mr. Lucas!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820 |
Quote:
I think the Civil War series was better. This one is to PC for me. If I here another thing about japenese interment camps I this I'll get sick...
I read somewhere that he ommitted Latino Americans... 500,000 of them!!!! Is this true from what you have seen so far? 
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Nick,
A sequence about Latino-American servicemen was added to the end of the first installment after it was learned by latino groups a while back that there was no mention of their contribution to the war effort in it. The added part included a G.I. Medal Of Honor recipiate who grew up in East Los Angeles, and who's father was anglo and his mother mexican.
I understand that an additional segment regarding this aspect was also be added to Part VI, which hasn't been broadcast as of yet.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
I have not watched any of K Burns latest yet so I cannot determine if it is too PC.
Does he get down and show the brass tacks horror in actual old footage? Example given shots of burning Japanese after being torched by flamethrowers in places like Okinawa, Tarawa, and Palau? Or floating body bloody waters at Tarawa complete with dead American Marines laying half buried in the sand?
Or is it just a PG version?
Hard to believe he would leave out the contributions of Latinos.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 122
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 122 |
Whoa Dwight, I'm as much of an anglophile as anyone, but your comment about the Brits getting everything right with the exception of Mr. Lucas needs a little addition. Let's go back to the end of the first world war and look at the mess that was created in the middle east by the esteemed English. Unfortunately we are in the process of trying to clean up some of that mess. And yes I am of English estraction.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Uh oh.....crossing the RUBICON.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018 |
It definatly looks like a Ken Burns project. I'v found it kind of slow and not a whole lot that has not already been seen before. You know we've been reliving that dam war for sixty some years. Maybe its time to let it rest in peace.
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Nope Kev. It's pretty grisly fare. All those horrors are shown. And because the Naval Dept often used color cameras, a lot of the film used to show the pacific theatre action is in color.
I think the whole PC thing might have came up because it kind of appears Ken Burns went out of his way to hammer home a point about the Jim Crow laws in The South, the segregated U.S. Armed Forces during that time, and other issues regarding minorities in his film. In addition to covering war strategy, the film spends much of the time talking about the home front, with an apparent focus on "Small Town America" and those soldiers and sailors who came from those small towns.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burns' "The War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
I have been watching it too. I think it is great. makes me proud to be an American. You may not care for Ken Burns, but you have to admit that the man is a wizard with his documentaries, as opposed to many others in the same genre. He holds nothing back either, very well done. 
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
OP
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Whoa Dwight, I'm as much of an anglophile as anyone, but your comment about the Brits getting everything right with the exception of Mr. Lucas needs a little addition. Let's go back to the end of the first world war and look at the mess that was created in the middle east by the esteemed English. Unfortunately we are in the process of trying to clean up some of that mess. And yes I am of English estraction.
Well, I think we best not go there, Al.
My observation was only meant as a joke, and I guess how I've always felt that the BBC and indeed the british press in general(other than many of those low-life rags they sell on London streetcorners) are more likely to give a more circumspect appraisal of most situations.
(let's put it this way...during 9/11, I mostly watched BBC America's coverage, and let's leave it at that and go back to WWII)
And regarding WWII,(and to unfortunately to finish the above point)...ask most americans about the eastern front and Russian casualites and their war effort(which was extensively covered in the british TV production "The World At War") and I'll bet cha they wouldn't have a clue.
Last edited by Dwight; 09/27/2007 7:58 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Anyone else watching Ken Burn's "War"?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
|
|
Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Quote:
Well, I think we best not go there, Al.
good advice
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
|
|
