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A&E Movies

2006  
 
Add Ancient Mysteries: Curse of the Hope Diamond to Queue Add Ancient Mysteries: Curse of the Hope Diamond to top of Queue  
The curse of a legendary 45-carat gemstone rumored to have been purchased by a French Merchant in the 1600s after being cut from a larger stone that formed the eye of a Hindu idol is explored in a time-traveling documentary that seeks to reveal the truth behind the menacing mystery of the Hope Diamond. Could it be that the most valuable diamond in the world really suffers from a curse that strikes down all who would come into possession of it? Though a number of strange occurrences have been attributed to its mysterious powers in the centuries since its appearance, any hard evidence linking it to tragedy has yet to be officially proven. Now viewers who wish to explore the fantastic tales surrounding the Hope Diamond can do so in the safety of their own living rooms without fear of supernatural repercussions in this documentary that originally aired as part of A&E's popular Ancient Mysteries series. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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1999  
 
Add Ancient Mysteries: Camelot to Queue Add Ancient Mysteries: Camelot to top of Queue  
This documentary examines the legends and facts surrounding the mystery of the mythic place called Camelot and its wise leader, King Arthur. Whether fact or fiction, Camelot is revered as a peaceful and benign place where ideals of chivalry and service prevailed. Narrated by actress Kathleen Turner, the film searches for answers regarding the identity of Arthur and the location of Camelot. Archeologists weigh in on those subjects and more, while they continue to search for the actual round table used by Arthur's knights. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

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Starring:
Leonard Nimoy
 
1994  
 
Add Ancient Mysteries: Bigfoot to Queue Add Ancient Mysteries: Bigfoot to top of Queue  
This A&E documentary uncovers hidden facts and reveals possible explanations for the controversial ape-like legend known as Bigfoot. Listen to experts who have researched the beast the American Indians called "Sasquatch" and who have found new perspectives on this centuries-old mystery. With all of the supposed sightings of this creature and of the commercialization of keeping the mystery alive, it is hard to tell what is fact and what is fiction. This documentary, narrated by Leonard Nimoy, sets out to find the truth through the use of archival footage, eyewitness videotape, and computer analysis, which has made it possible to learn more about this legend than ever before. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, Rovi

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2001  
 
Add Ancient Mysteries: Atlantis - The Lost Civilization to Queue Add Ancient Mysteries: Atlantis - The Lost Civilization to top of Queue  
Take a riveting look at the legend that has sparked the imagination of historical scholars for centuries as A&E's Ancient Mysteries explores the lost civilization of Atlantis. Originally referenced in Plato's dialogues around the year 360 BC, Atlantis has been rumored to have been the dwelling place of everything from average humans, to larger-than-life giants, and even extraterrestrials - yet despite centuries of research into the matter, definitive proof of Atlantis' existence has yet to be discovered. Did Atlantis truly exist? If so, who were the beings that populated this mythical, Atlantic Ocean island? In addition to exploring the possibilities that Bimini, Santorini, Troy, or the Canary Islands may in fact harbor the answers to this age-old question, filmmakers also explore the possibility that Atlantis may have already been discovered and perhaps even excavated. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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2005  
 
Add Ancient Mysteries: Astrology to Queue Add Ancient Mysteries: Astrology to top of Queue  
Experts take a look at the expansive history of astrology in this release from A&E. Topics range from astrology's inception by the Babylonians in the Fertile Crescent some 4,000 years ago to its interpretation and relevance in today's world. Also included are skeptics' examinations of the many predictions astrology has produced over the centuries. ~ Amanda Van Keuren, Rovi

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1994  
 
Add Ancient Mysteries: Ark of the Covenant to Queue Add Ancient Mysteries: Ark of the Covenant to top of Queue  
Hi-tech and older research techniques are still being used to locate the Ark of the Covenant that is so precious to many religious believers. Some say it is the most sacred of Jewish artifacts. Many have long asserted that it contains the Ten Commandment tablets and other holy or sacred items. Experts discuss whether this Ark ever really existed and how it may have all but vanished without a trace. Viewers can decide for themselves whether they believe the stories that claim the Ark was seen at different times throughout history. Listen to all of the theories about where the Ark might be located and how teams of researchers intend to continue searching for it. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

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Add Ancient Mysteries: Ancient Rome and Its Mysterious Cities to Queue Add Ancient Mysteries: Ancient Rome and Its Mysterious Cities to top of Queue  
Students of history know well the remarkable innovations of the Roman Empire, but how much of the art and architecture of this highly sophisticated culture can be credited to such ancient cultures as the Greeks and the Etruscans? In this installment of the popular A&E documentary series Ancient Mysteries, archeologists seek the answer to that and numerous other questions concerning the Roman Empire while simultaneously turning their attention to modern society to find out just how much the inhabitants of the 21st Century, in turn, owe to the ingenuity of the ancient Romans. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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1996  
 
Add Ancient Mysteries: Ancient Prophecy to Queue Add Ancient Mysteries: Ancient Prophecy to top of Queue  
A stunning look at the history of prophecy, this episode of A&E's Ancient Mysteries takes the viewer around the world to explore how different cultures through the ages have attempted to predict their destinies. The documentary highlights some of the most intriguing prophetic mysteries, including the divining methods of the Native Americans, the Ancient Greeks' oracle at Delphi, the famous predictions of Nostradamus, and a startling prediction made 16 years prior to the disastrous sinking of the Titanic. ~ Carrie Downes, Rovi

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1996  
 
Add Ancient Mysteries: Ancient Altered States to Queue Add Ancient Mysteries: Ancient Altered States to top of Queue  
Since the beginning of time, members of various societies have doggedly searched for ways to alter their states of consciousness, believing that elusive truths and visions could be attained through this process. The History Channel special Ancient Mysteries: Ancient Altered States discusses this phenomenon as it materialized in various cultures, via the use of everything from mind-altering chemicals to exotic rituals. In addition, physicians such as Dr. Andrew Weil and others turn up on-camera, to speculate on the universal reasons belying this trans-cultural, trans-generational drive that humans possess. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

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1997  
 
Add American Justice: The John Lennon Assassination to Queue Add American Justice: The John Lennon Assassination to top of Queue  
On December 8, 1980, Mark David Chapman finally silenced the voices inside his head. They had been telling him for months to fulfill the murderous plot he had constructed. His victim was one of the most famous musical icons of the 20th century. A&E documents the moments leading up to the singer's demise in American Justice: John Lennon Assassination. Chapman was considered a friendly and well-liked man most of his life. While working at the YMCA and a Vietnamese refugee camp, he was lauded for his rapport with children. But, inside, Chapman harbored a deep self-hatred. He thought he was a failure and attempted suicide a number of times. One fateful night, Chapman's loathing was transferred to the famous Beatle after Lennon made an unpopular comment comparing the group to Jesus. Chapman visualized Lennon as the enemy and his mission was to take him out. A&E takes viewers back to that cold winter night to relive the death of a superstar. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi

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2006  
 
Add American Justice: Quiz Show Scandal and Other Frauds to Queue Add American Justice: Quiz Show Scandal and Other Frauds to top of Queue  
The greatest hoaxes in modern history are remembered in A&E's American Justice: Quiz Show Scandal and Other Frauds. Herbert Stempel's story was popularized in the movie Quiz Show. As a contestant on the '50s program Twenty One, Stempel became a victim of a ratings bid which made him the fall guy for a corrupt industry. He recalls the shameful incident in a moving interview. A&E profiles another con man, author Clifford Irving, who claimed to have written an autobiography with recluse Howard Hughes. When his lie was revealed by the billionaire himself, Irving was sentenced to jail for fraud. In later years, Tawana Brawley accused a group of white policemen of raping her. A jury found her story unbelievable and dismissed the charges. She is now being sued for defamation. Through interviews and real-life testimony, A&E documents the biggest lies in courtroom history. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi

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2006  
 
Add American Justice: Donnie Brasco to Queue Add American Justice: Donnie Brasco to top of Queue  
A&E documents the ultimate sacrifice as one man gives up his life for his career in American Justice: Donnie Brasco. Popularized by the best-selling novel and movie, the tale of an undercover FBI agent caught in the crime world is a study in patience. Joseph Pistone originally planned on conducting a six-month investigation posing as a thief. But, his job became his reality as the case stretched into five years. Known as Donnie Brasco to the Bonnano crime family, Pistone tells a tale of petty crimes and betrayal. His step-by-step explanations detail a dysfunctional clan beset with infighting. Eventually, Pistone's testimony led to the conviction of several Mafia men. A&E follows up by interviewing officers still caught in the undercover game. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi

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1996  
 
Add America's Castles: The Homes of Frank Lloyd Wright to Queue Add America's Castles: The Homes of Frank Lloyd Wright to top of Queue  
Originally aired on A&E as part of their America's Castles series, this video takes a guided tour through the homes of the renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Archival films and photographs are used to describe Wright's childhood homes along with the three homes he went on to build for himself: his home and studio in Illinios, Taliesin in Wisconsin, and Taliesin West in Arizona. Wright scholars act as commentators by placing the homes into their historical and biographical context. The homes are shown room by room giving viewers a chance to appreciate the designs which strove to eliminate the insignificant. This video is approximately 50 minutes long. ~ Karla Baker, Rovi

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1998  
 
Add America's Castles: Hearst Castle - San Simeon to Queue Add America's Castles: Hearst Castle - San Simeon to top of Queue  
Media giant William Randolph Hearst built this 130-room mansion back in the early 20th century. It's located five miles inland and 1,600 feet above San Simeon Bay. Hearst liked to call the place "La Cuesta Encantada," or the Enchanted Hill. At present, Hearst Castle continues to draw numerous visitors each year. They are eager to tour the palatial grounds, view the many artworks inside, and see the indoor Roman pool that's lined with Venetian glass and gold. Film buffs who have enjoyed watching "Citizen Kane," long rumored to have been a caricature of certain aspects of Hearst's life, find it fascinating to see the opulence that this man felt he needed in his life. This video is sure to entice you to make a side trip to see this American "castle," located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

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1997  
 
Add America's Castles: Grand Plantations to Queue Add America's Castles: Grand Plantations to top of Queue  
A&E's America's Castles series offers an insider's look at the palatial residences of the nation's privileged. Grand Plantations presents an intimate look at the magnificent plantation homes found in the Old South. Those who amassed fortunes from cotton and cane flaunted their nobility, wealth, and power by constructing spectacular mansions. This exclusive video tour takes you to some of the greatest antebellum manors still existing. See the John Hampden Randolph home set on a 7,000-acre sugar plantation. Visit the extraordinary Peter Little home built for his 13-year-old bride. Also, see the lavish Stanton Hall, home of Frederick Stanton, and the famed 100-foot-tall octagonal marvel called "Nutt's Folly." This tour of posh mansions and rich contents depicts the status and luxurious lifestyle celebrated by the wealthiest families of the Old South. ~ Sally Barber, Rovi

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2006  
 
Add America's Castles: California Dreamers to Queue Add America's Castles: California Dreamers to top of Queue  
Californians have long enjoyed building homes that at least partially reflect the beauty of the nearby Pacific Ocean, mountains, palm trees, and other natural delights. This A&E program seeks to share some of these estates with viewers as it journeys to the unusual Winchester House that was built with part of the fortune made from selling rifles and the place that's come to be known as Scotty's Castle in Death Valley. Sarah Winchester's Victorian home, purchased in 1884, was still undergoing additional construction when she died in 1922. It now has 160 rooms, obviously far more than the eight it had when she purchased it. Far smaller is Scotty's Castle with 20 rooms that was modeled after various Spanish homes. Its eccentric luxuries are as interesting as the stories that surround prospector Walter "Scotty" Scott and his apparent partner from Chicago, millionaire Albert Johnson. ~ Elizabeth Smith, Rovi

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Add Agatha Christie's: Poirot, Collector's Set 11 to Queue Add Agatha Christie's: Poirot, Collector's Set 11 to top of Queue  
This set contains another set of mysteries starring David Suchet as Agatha Christie's famed sleuth Hercule Poirot. Each is presented in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1. English soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Stereo. Supplemental materials include biographies of both the actor and the author, and additional materials about Christie. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

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Add Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd/Lord Edgware Dies [2 Discs] to Queue Add Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd/Lord Edgware Dies [2 Discs] to top of Queue  
Offering two A&E original movies featuring one of author Agatha Christie's most popular sleuths, this suspenseful DVD release features enough red herrings to keep mystery buffs guessing for hours. Both features are presented in their original, 1.33:1 aspect ratios, with closed-captioned English Dolby Digital soundtracks and optional English subtitles. Despite the lack of extra features on this particular set, this release is sure to please the Poirot fan that you know and love. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

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Add Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Complete Collection [4 Discs] to Queue Add Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Complete Collection [4 Discs] to top of Queue  
David Suchet takes on the role of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot in each of the four mysteries collected in this box set. The titles of the stories are The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Lord Edgware Dies, Murder in Mesopotamia, and Evil Under the Sun. Each of the mysteries is presented in the original braodacast aspect ratio of 1.33:1. English soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Stereo. There are no subtitles, but the soundtracks are closed-captioned. Supplemental materials include a list of all Poirot stories, and biographies of both Agatha Christie and David Suchet. This is an outstanding collection for Christie enthusiasts as well as anyone who enjoys literate murder mysteries. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

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