Mark Bussler Movies

From the history book heavies to the anonymous souls who sacrificed everything in order to back up their beliefs, The Best of Civil War Minutes - Confederate relays the remarkable stories that may have otherwise faded with time. The canteens, frock coats, and rifles used by the soldiers paint a vivid portrait of live during the Civil War to show viewers exactly how these military men lived and died. Episodes include "Faces of Lee," "Sunken Blockade Runner Cargo," and "Confederate Battle Flags." ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

From the heroes of the history books to the anonymous soldiers who sacrificed everything for the sake of a fledgling nation, The Best of Civil War Minutes - Union documents the remarkable lives of the men from the Civil War era by exploring the personal artifacts they carried at all times. From muskets, to backpacks, to a drum found on Little Round Top, each one of these artifacts tells a compelling story, and host ichael Kraus does his best to relay them all. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

The forgotten stories and selfless sacrifices made by the American men and women who valiantly served in the Great War come together to offer a lasting reminder of our brave heritage in this documentary from filmmaker Mark Bussler. In addition to such literary icons as e.e. cummings and Ernest Hemingway, who transformed the horrors of war into treasured literary classics, director Bussler pays special attention to the African-American soldiers and female volunteers whose efforts broke considerable new ground in the realms of racial and social equality and helped to shape the 21st century. These are the stories of soldiers whose survival against immeasurable odds would provide just the inspiration their fellow soldiers needed to continue the battle, and of the pilots, ambulance drivers, and medical workers who risked it all to ensure the safety of their wartime brethren. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Expo: Magic of the White City documents the historically significant Chicago World's Fair of 1893. Considered by many to be the beginning of the 20th century, the fair showcased what was at the time numerous modern marvels and inspired a host of innovators. This film is narrated by Gene Wilder. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Narrated by Keith Carradine, this documentary in the Civil War Minutes series features more stories of heroism and valor from the Civil War. Volume one focuses on the Battle of Gettysburg, with additional segments about the defense of Little Round Top, the Gettysburg National Cemetery, mysterious photographs from Devil's Den, the injury suffered by General Winfield Scott Hancock, and the distress call made by Confederate General Lewis Armistead. ~ Sarah Block, Rovi

Narrated by Richard Dreyfuss and directed by Mark Bussler, Johnstown Flood, tells the story of the massive flood that destroyed the town of Johnstown, PA, on May 31, 1889. Using old photos, etchings, recreated footage, and dramatic readings of first-hand accounts, this black-and-white film explores the history of the town, which, at the time of the flood, had become a major center of steel production in the U.S. Dreyfuss describes how the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, a resort for the wealthy (one of its patrons was Andrew Carnegie) allowed the dam to fall into disrepair and the reservoir to fill far higher than the engineers who built the dam had ever intended. Heavy rains contributed to the problem, and, on the day of the flood, the water overflowed and the dam collapsed, sending a huge gusher of water coursing through the Conemaugh River Valley, destroying everything in its path. When the water reached the town, nearly an hour later, the wave was cresting nearly 40 feet high. More than 2000 people were killed -- drowned, crushed by debris, or burned in fires caused by the cataclysm. In the aftermath, people around the country rallied to help the survivors rebuild the town. The DVD release features audio commentary from historian Richard Burkert of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

Mark Bussler's film Civil War Life: Shot to Pieces chronicles the life of Harvard student William F. Bartlett, who leaves school to sign up with the Union Army. After losing a leg to Southern gunfire, he begins a relationship with Agnes Pomeroy. William eventually rejoins the war effort, but is captured by enemy forces. He attempts to survive his squalid conditions as a POW because of his love for Agnes. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Through photographs, writings, and live action, this series offers a detailed and intimate glimpse at the real lives of those persons who fought and died for their side. In a series of short vignettes, volume two looks at soldiers' water canteens, and how they personalized them. A report from Samuel Weaver, superintendent of exhuming bodies from the battlefields, gives details on how body identifications were undertaken. A flintock musket, an artillery drum, and a field and staff sword are examined up close. The stories in a regimental newspaper from the 100th Pennsylvania Volunteer army are discussed. ~ Alice Day, Rovi

Through photographs, writings, and live action, this series offers a detailed and intimate glimpse at the real lives of those persons who fought and died for their side. In a series of short vignettes, volume four looks at Civil War headgear, the Spencer Rifle, and Corps and Division badges that soldiers had to wear. It dissects a legal document, General Orders No. 95, which describes the trials and punishments that soldiers facing criminal charges underwent. A song about soldiers dying in the battlefield is performed live by David Kincaid and Gregory Singer. ~ Alice Day, Rovi