Benjamin Franklin (2002) Reviews

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This PBS documentary demonstrates that there was more to Benjamin Franklin than most contemporary observers could imagine. The diversity of Franklin's achievements exceeded even what we know today, going far beyond the inventions, the Almanac, the statesmanship, the diplomacy...and the amorous conquests. Much of the teleplay is told in Franklin's own words, relayed in "talking head" fashion by two different actors: Dylan Baker as young Ben, and Richard Easton as the elderly Franklin. Other commentary is offered by a team of eminent historians and by narrator Colm Feore. Intended as a three-part miniseries, Benjamin Franklin ultimately aired in two segments, on November 19 and 20, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Starring:: Richard Easton, Dylan Baker, (more)

Director(s):: Muffie Meyer, Ellen Hovde, (more)

Format(s):: DVD
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Average Ratings

(4 member reviews)

Member Reviews

	Mark R.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful

I always wanted to know more about his amazing man. Beyond the lightning storm with a kite. I do not know of a more compelling legacy one man has given the entire world. As Americans we owe more to Franklin than to Washington / Jefferson or all of the other founding fathers combined. His last public address at age 85 while signing the final draft of the constitution had me in tears. I now recoginze that it was because of Franklin - that we began this great experiment we call the Untited States.

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	Ann C.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

Ever since I viewed the fantastic John Adams series, I've been wishing that a first-rate film about Benjamin Franklin existed. Guess what! It does. This PBS docu-drama fills the niche beautifully. Franklin was one of the most brilliant statesmen the U.S. has ever had. Here, his scientific discoveries receive equal billing with his statesmanship, both in this country and abroad. Richard Easton portrays Ben the elder in fine style, showing both the formal and quirky sides of his personality.

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	Ralph Y.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

Ben Franklin was very successful, first as a printer, newspaper publisher, and the last appx 40 years as a diplomat. I did not realize the importance he played in the revolutionary war, we may not have won if it was not for his work as diplomat to French. He knew the ins and outs of French-English relations, knew how to play one against the other. He got money for the colonies from France when France as a country was broke. Very good depiction of his life and events.

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	Kyle D.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful

This film is amazing. It also puts our early American history in better context - we really struggled - and how one man really made a difference. This incredible story should be shown to all school children - teach them the real history of the United States of America and not the nonsense PC fluff.

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