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
- 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
- 2004
This program takes a look at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, one of the most well-known choirs on Earth and one that was dubbed by President Reagan as "America's Choir." From its humble beginnings to its modern day renown, this documentary chronicles the life of this institution. ~ Cammila Albertson, 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
- 1998
In American Presidents: The Most Powerful Man on Earth, host Walter Cronkite presents a history of the highest office in the nation. Illustrated with newsreel footage and historic material from the National Archives, Cronkite guides the viewer through a look at past presidents from the Depression years through the Cold War. Several scholars, including Alan Brinkley, Martin Walker, Ben Wartenberg, and Kenneth C. Davis lend their commentary to the program. The office of the presidency has changed dramatically since the days of George Washington, and those developments, influenced by factors both at home and abroad, are outlined here. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This video is part of the Ape Man series, which investigates the mysteries of human evolution. In this first episode, host Walter Cronkite travels to the plains of Africa, regarded by many as the cradle of human civilization. Here, the video examines the archeological evidence left behind by our earliest ancestors and expounds on the notion that one of these earliest humans may, in fact, be the so-called "missing link" between apes and man. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This video is part of the Ape Man series, which investigates the mysteries of human evolution. In this second episode, host Walter Cronkite leads viewers through speculation on what drove humanity's ancestors to first exhibit such human behavior as walking upright and creating tools and fire. The video also investigates why humanity was able to make this leap when other species were not. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This video is part of the Ape Man series, which investigates the mysteries of human evolution. In this third episode, host Walter Cronkite investigates the physical differences between apes and men, most notably in the constructions of their brains. The video also delineates what those differences make possible for humanity, including language and art. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This video is part of the Ape Man series, which investigates the mysteries of human evolution. In this fourth episode, host Walter Cronkite investigates the arc of human evolution. Viewers examine the past of human evolution and are exposed to the debates that rage over human origins. Later, the video speculates on what the future may hold for the human race. Have we reached the apogee of our own evolution? This program asks that question and attempts to find the answer. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- 2003
This four-part, eight-hour PBS miniseries was the first production of the Ted Turner Foundation's documentary division. Narrated by Walter Cronkite, the series focused on weapons of mass destruction: how they came to be developed, who has them, who might first use them, how the average person can "understand" them, and what to do to prevent the end of humankind. Individual episode titles included "Silent Killers: Poisons and Plagues," "Nuclear Nightmare: Losing Control," "The New Face of Terror: Upping the Ante," "Confronting Terrorism: Turning the Tide." When Avoiding Armageddon was originally telecast from April 14 through 17, 2003, each episode concluded with a discussion moderated by series producer Frank Sesno. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Walter Cronkite
- 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
- 1998
This educational documentary is part of a four-part, four-hour series devoted to increasing your odds for survival against cancer. The latest medical advances and leading cancer experts are profiled. This video includes the basic information one needs to know about the disease: terms, statistics, diagnosis, seeking second opinions, and the five-year survival rates for each of the major cancers. Narrated by Walter Cronkite. ~ Laura Mahnken, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This educational documentary is part of a four-part, four-hour series devoted to increasing your odds for survival against cancer. The latest medical advances and leading cancer experts are profiled. The video includes the basic information one needs to know about neuroimmuno modulation (NIM). NIM explores the strong effect that the mind has over the immune system. It also explores the lesser-known research called Psychoneuroimmunology, imagery, affirmation, humor, and psychotherapy. Narrated by Walter Cronkite. ~ Laura Mahnken, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This educational documentary is part of a four-part, four-hour series devoted to increasing your odds for survival against cancer. The latest medical advances and leading cancer experts are profiled. The video explores more of the personal and spiritual aspects of dealing with a terminal disease such as cancer. Topics include spontaneous remission, death, dying, and terminal care. Narrated by Walter Cronkite. ~ Laura Mahnken, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This educational documentary is part of a four-part, four-hour series devoted to increasing your odds for survival against cancer. The latest medical advances and leading cancer experts are profiled. The video includes the basic information one needs to know about mainstream treatments, alternative treatments, proper diet and nutrition for cancer patients, and recommended resources available. Narrated by Walter Cronkite. ~ Laura Mahnken, 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
- 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
- 1996
Cronkite Remembers is a tribute to premier broadcast journalist and "The Most Trusted Man in America," Walter Cronkite. Originally produced as a series of eight one-hour segments for The Discovery Channel, this program is a 120-minute CBS News Special that chronicles Cronkite's most significant contributions to journalism. The documentary features Cronkite's informative coverage of the moon landing, the Vietnam War, and the 1960s counterculture, as well as a segment on his relationships with U.S. Presidents from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan. Newsmen Bernard Shaw and Andy Rooney and members of Cronkite's family share insights about the man and his work. ~ Kathleen Wildasin, 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
