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
- 2000
This program is part of a series, narrated by Walter Cronkite, that chronicles some of the most outstanding events and people of the 20th century. Archival film footage, photographs, personal recollections, interviews, and commentary by historians and journalists are used to present the stories. This episode looks at the terrible face of war, with emphasis on World War II, and its repercussions for the modern era. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 2000
This program is part of a series, narrated by Walter Cronkite, that chronicles some of the most outstanding events and people of the 20th century. Archival film footage, photographs, personal recollections, interviews, and commentary by historians and journalists are used to present the stories. This episode looks at some of the disastrous events of the age, from the Hindenberg to the stock market crash of 1929, as well as natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Because the presidency symbolizes the highest leadership in the nation, Americans want to view the president as a heroic individual who is much larger than life. In the past, military leaders have been drawn to the office, in part because the president is also known as the commander in chief of the armed forces. In The American President: The Heroic Posture, George Washington, W.H. Harrison, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight D. Eisenhower are scrutinized against this heroic ideal. ~ Alice Day, 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 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 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 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
- 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 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 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
- 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 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
- 1997
This program is a volume in a series featuring renowned journalist Walter Cronkite, who takes the viewer on a walk through some of the momentous events of the 20th century. In this episode, Cronkite covers the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The two countries were locked into an ideological battle in the Cold War, and the conflict spilled over into a desire to control the spaces beyond the Earth. When the Russians caught America off guard with Sputnik, the U.S. was quick to respond with the NASA program. Cronkite follows the space story with archival film clips, photographs, journalistic accounts, and commentary from scientists and historians. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1997
This program is a volume in a series featuring renowned journalist Walter Cronkite who takes the viewer on a walk through some of the momentous events of the 20th century. In this episode, Cronkite recalls the war years, when World War II required sacrifice on both the battlefield and the home front. With archival film footage, photographs, interviews, and journalistic accounts, Cronkite follows the story of the war, from the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific, to the victory gardens and gas-rationing activities back in the United States. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1997
This program is part of a series featuring renowned journalist Walter Cronkite, who takes the viewer on a walk through some of the momentous events of the 20th century. In this episode, Cronkite examines how the new medium of television was used to advantage by then Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. Kennedy's television appeal had much to do with his defeat of his opponent, Richard Nixon. The tremendous potential of television as a political tool had begun. Archival television clips, along with commentary by historians, journalists, and political insiders tell the story. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Corky (Faith Ford) lets slip that Walter Cronkite responded with an enigmatic grunt when asked about Murphy (Candice Bergen). As as result, Murphy drives herself crazier than usual trying to figure out what Cronkite really meant by that grunt. Among those offering aid and support (but not much comfort) to our heroine are tavernkeeper Phil Jr. (Pat Finn) and TV talk host Tom Snyder (as himself). ~ Hal Erickson, 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
- 1995
Venerable news anchorman Walter Cronkite hosts this in-depth look at the pervasiveness and effects of legal gambling on American culture. Cronkite explores questions like, is the lure of "easy money" replacing a strong work ethic in the attitudes of American youth, and is the funding of state and federal government through the proceeds of legal gambling a proper way of conducting government? Cronkite details the history of legalized gambling in America in an attempt to draw some conclusions about the impact gambling has had on the economic, moral, and social fabric of American society. The program features interviews with people from the average man on the street, to members of congress, to noted religious leaders. ~ Sean Hurley, All Movie Guide
