Walter Cronkite Movies
Regarded by millions as the paragon of on-air trustworthiness, intelligence, professionalism, and unabashed integrity, Walter Cronkite single-handedly invented American television news as a CBS correspondent during the 1950s, with the medium still in a somewhat embryonic state. A former United Press correspondent from St. Joseph, MO -- who would purportedly "go anywhere and do anything for a story, even ride a bomber or a glider into combat" -- Cronkite moved to CBS at the behest of the legendary Edward R. Murrow circa 1952, a position he held for 10 years. In that role, Cronkite carried American audiences through the Cold War, Korea, and other pivotal currents of the 1950s. He simultaneously hosted the eccentric, Sidney Lumet-directed series You Are There (CBS, 1953-1957), which featured reenactments of historical events presented as news broadcasts with Cronkite serving as anchor. As such, the venerable newsman concluded each broadcast with the now-infamous wrap-up: "What sort of a day was it? A day like all days, filled with those events that alter and illuminate our times -- and you were there."Cronkite graduated to head anchor of the CBS Evening News in 1961, a post he retained for 20 years, until Friday, March 6, 1981, when Dan Rather inherited the job. During that time, Cronkite famously reported on such subjects as the Kennedy assassinations, the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam, the Vietnam-era protests, the Arab-Israeli Six Day War, Watergate, and the Menachim-Begin peace accords. In fact, a large percentage of Americans who learned of those subjects from nightly news broadcasts did so through Cronkite's efforts simply because they trusted him.
Save a role in 1980s little-seen drama A Private Battle, and voiceover work as Captain New Eyes in 1993's animated We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story, Cronkite's feature film appearances are virtually nonexistent. His filmed work predominantly (and unsurprisingly) began after his retirement from full-time CBS work in 1981 and consists almost exclusively of hosting duties on dozens of documentary videos that intelligently treat a whirlwind of subjects, everything from South African segregation (Children of Apartheid, 1987) to welfare (Making Welfare Work, 1994) to homeland evangelical Christianity and its disturbing intersection with right-wing political factions (The Cronkite Reports: Christianity Reborn -- Prayer and Politics, 1995).
Like many of his peers in the newsroom, Cronkite also made a handful of humorous guest appearances as himself on the popular CBS series Murphy Brown: one in 1989, one in 1993, and one in 1997. Cronkite died of cerebral vascular disease in July 2009. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- 1951
Before his days as a television news correspondent and anchorman, Walter Cronkite made his television debut on a quiz show. This video presents clips from It's News to Me, hosted by Cronkite. The quirky production aired from 1951 through 1954 on CBS. Every Thursday evening, Cronkite, joined by luminaries such as Nina Foch, Anna Lee, and Quentin Reynolds, tried to discern fiction from fact in news reporting. Many of the actual news stories were stranger than the fabricated ones. Box Dixon served as the show's announcer. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1980
A Private Battle was adapted by the ubiquitous John Gay from the posthumously published memoirs of historical author Cornelius Ryan. At the height of his fame, Ryan (Jack Warden) is stricken with prostate cancer. During his last four deteriorating years, Ryan keeps a secret record of the events leading up to his inevitable demise. Anne Jackson costars as Ryan's wife Katie, who discovered the notebook and published it on the occasion of Ryan's death. A Private Battle also delves into Ryan's personal problems with his alienated teenaged son (David Stockton)--a fact which gave the publicity boys an excuse to misleadingly advertise this TV movie, suggesting that Ryan's illness was treatable but his family troubles were not. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1981
Vietnam: Chronicle of a War is a documentary which maps the stages of the United States' military involvement in the Vietnam War. Produced by CBS News, the program features historic wartime footage and interviews with key political players. Walter Cronkite narrates. News legends Charles Collingwood, Charles Kuralt, Dan Rather, Morley Safer, Eric Sevareid, and others contribute reports. ~ Betsy Boyd, All Movie Guide
This video presents a look at the space shuttle, from its design and construction to life onboard the craft. Narrated by Walter Cronkite, the program traces the human effort to realize the dream of space exploration. The video goes behind the scenes for an intimate look at daily activities of astronauts and the training they must undergo for life in deep space. Archival film clips show historic moments and images of the space program. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1987
This documentary video shows the dramatic difference between black and white children in South Africa. Host Walter Cronkite shows the contrast in the lives of the children of South African President, P.W. Botha and African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
Television news journalist Walter Cronkite provides the commentary for this documentary of the 1987 America's Cup race. The American racers, led by Captain Dennis Conner, recapture yacht racing's most coveted prize from the Australians. The video includes an interview with Captain Conner, and there are archival film clips on board the yachts, which show the danger and excitement of the sport, and the thrill of achieving yacht racing's highest honor. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Thirty-two hours of original CBS coverage of the 1969 moonwalk are condensed into this 60-minute commemorative video, which first aired on the 20th anniversary of the historic event. The program features interviews with Walter Cronkite as well as the three astronauts involved. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Walter Cronkite makes his second sitcom guest appearance, while fellow TV journalist Irving R. Levine (bowtie and all!) makes his first, in this memorable episode. Murphy (Candice Bergen) eagerly looks forward to the surprise "roast" she has planned for co-anchor Jim Dial (Charles Kimbrough) to celebrate his 25th anniversary in network television. But that sharkish smile on Murphy's face quickly fades when, just before the roasting, Jim confesses that he's going through a midlife crisis--in fact, he's terrified at the prospect of ever seeing his peers again! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Although the United States is considered one of the world's wealthier nations, many of its residents do not have an adequate health care plan. Of those who do, some feel that their plan does not give enough coverage in certain areas, and they fear that a serious illness will cause hardship. Large medical bills can drive an already poor family deeper into poverty. In contrast, under the health care insurance system offered in Canada, everyone is covered regardless of income. Borderline Medicine compares the costs of the two systems, with commentary from doctors, insurance representatives, and patients. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1990
This three-part show explores the world of sailboat racing. Hosted by Walter Cronkite. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1991
This educational video looks at the discovery of dinosaurs from the first archeological find to current data. A book, written by paleontologist David Norman is available. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1991
- Add Edward R. Murrow: The McCarthy Years to QueueAdd Edward R. Murrow: The McCarthy Years to top of Queue
Edward R. Murrow, in his career as a journalist, set high standards of integrity and truthfulness that even today are difficult to match. Perhaps these qualities were most evident during the Red Scare when a man named Joseph McCarthy waved an alarmist flag and kept a nation petrified. Almost no one would stand up to the misanthropic senator until Murrow did, exposing McCarthy for the propagandist he truly was. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
In this animated children's film from Amblin Entertainment, a group of four dinosaurs, including a tyrannosaurus rex, a triceratops, a hadrosaur, and a pterodactyl, are brought forward in time to New York City to entertain and befriend the children. However, when the dinosaurs are threatened by an evil circus owner, it is up to their young friends to save the day. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Goodman, Blaze Berdahl, (more)
- 1993
The "FYI" gang gathers for its annual poker marathon, held aboard the houseboat owned by their favorite tavernkeeper Phil (Pat Corley). The stakes grow higher and higher as the event progresses, reaching a peak as Murphy (Candice Bergen) wages her Porsche against Phil's boat. Meanwhile, Miles suffers the painful after-effects of overdosing on his seasick medicine. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
In this program, the nation's health care reform system is scrutinized not only by patients, but by physicians, the insurance industry, and political figures. The frustration experienced by patients is brought into focus, balanced by the dilemma of health care providers, who speak of volumes of paperwork and the fear of being sued. There are many opinions regarding ways that improvements can be made to the current system. What's Ailing Medicine features appearances by Senator Bob Dole, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and a scholar from Harvard. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1994
The British Isles were a crucial base for Allied forces in World War II, providing both an unsinkable aircraft carrier and troop ship. Between 1942 and 1945, Northern Ireland was a temporary home for almost half a million American sailors, soldiers, and airmen. This documentary follows a group of American veterans back to the land that was their temporary home. These veterans tell their stories about comrades lost and friends found within the Emerald Isle. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
