Benjamin Franklin

Big history buff and love having collection of the older pieces for info

This film is about another founding father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin. It categorizes three parts to decipt him and I think this arrangement is pretty adequate.The first part, Let the Experiment Be Made, is about his enthusiasm on the science and the impacts to the world. The most famous story may be the kite and the lightning. In addition, this part also talks about his early life. Some of his scientific works are scattered in the other parts of this film.The second part, The Making of a Revolutionary, is about how he becomes a Patriot rather than sticking to a Loyalist. It is somewhat ironic since he regards himself as an Englishman rather than an American most of his life. At last, this turns out to be his darkest time since he and his son, who helped him in the kite and lightning experiment, are separated for different political beliefs.The third part, The Chess Master, is mostly about his endeavors in France during the Revolution War. After winning the independence, he is also a key man for the peace treaty with England and France and the U.S. Constitution. It is not straightforward as we might think to reach the peace treaty with the European powers because they had their own agendas. The U.S. Constitution is also not seemed to work at that time since no one is satisfied with it due to so many compromises and fears. Overall, these make him the only one sign in the three most important documents in the early U.S. history, the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris and the U.S. Constitution.The time is well spent after I have finished it. The narration and comments from experts are smooth and on focus. It's very pleasing to watch during the whole running time. I recommend this DVD to anyone interested in Benjamin Franklin, who deserves his fame.

This is a very nice program. I didn't realized how important he was as a scientist. I was also impressed by the number of public works he founded, many of which still exist in some form in Philadelphia. He was a real champion of the public good. In this era of "me", I wish more of our politicians had his wisdom and abilities.

What a smart fellow...his love was science, but he gave that up and his close family ties to serve his country. This DVD shows the flow of his life and the hurdles that he had to overcome to reach the goals that were important for a new forming country. It was the French that made the British surrender at Yorktown, VA and it was Ben Franklin that brought the French army into the fight. He should have been President and the Hero of the war...but it is difficult to go against Washington's efforts of living in frozen ditches and being in the field. Without Ben Franklin the young America would not have bloomed into the country we love today. Very well presented and should be a required DVD for high school students.

one of our favorite cds on the founding fathers. detailed, showing his private and public life. there are many details of franklin's life that go unnoticed or not talked about and this brings them to light. There were many more layers to this man than you realize. while many think he frittered his time away having fun in france, others believe it was his influence there that eventually brought france into the revolutionary war that won our independence for us. it is evident we could not have beat england at that time without the help of the french soldiers. highly recommend. enjoy!.

Epic documentary. Really takes you through his life, and makes you feel who he was, and how America embodies his spirit.The actor playing Mr. Franklin (Ralph Archbold) does a great job in connecting with the viewer, and capturing that wit, charm and spirit.Watching the end, I felt a emptiness in having this great person leave my screen (I watch alot of documentaries, and this is the only one I felt that way). A must-have for every documentary or history fan. Would make a great gift too.

One of the founding fathers. Discovered electricity, Invented bifocals, poor Richards almanac and paved the streets of philly, founded the public library, the first fire dept. and post office.

It is amazing how much he has done! A brilliant man!

Delivered in a timely fashion, well-packaged and a very good documentary...highly recommended