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
- 1995
This video presents an early look at lung disease. Hosted by television news correspondent and anchorman Walter Cronkite and television personality Joan Lunden, the program looks at the debilitating symptoms of some common lung diseases, including cancer, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and asthma. The educational show features health experts who caution the public on ways to avoid the suffering caused by one of the leading causes of death in the United States. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, 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
- 1994
Respected newsman Walter Cronkite chronicles the most important aspects of the Holocaust from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. This Discovery Channel film combines historical records, original footage, and personal photographs in an effort to help viewers understand how Hitler and the Nazi Party assumed power in Germany. Elie Wiesel and other survivors share their painful stories, while those who liberated prisoners from the death camps talk about what they saw upon their arrival. Wiesel and others also comment on what the Holocaust Museum means to them in an age where some still fail to grasp the full gravity of the human evil that took place. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1994
This highly intellectual European documentary examines the benefits and moral basis for war reporting in the 20th century. It is done in two separate films that are part of a three-part project. The acclaimed documentarian Max Ophüls is featured in both films. Included is archival footage, movie clips, interviews, and the reminiscence of Ophüls as he depicts the attempts of journalists to find the truth about the various 20th century wars. The truth is often very difficult to find. Most of the documentaries focus upon the current war in Sarajevo. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marcel Ophüls, Philippe Noiret, (more)
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
