Mark Zwonitzer Movies

The five-part "We Shall Remain," which explores the Native-American perspective of American history, opens in March 1621 with "After the Mayflower," about the alliance the Wampanoag leader Massasoit struck with the Plymouth colonists. The deal succeeded, providing peace and trading opportunities between the two. Some 50 years on, however, war erupted, with Massasoit's son Metacom (also known as King Philip) leading his people against the colonists. ~ Jeff Gemmill, All Movie Guide

In this documentary exploring the life of Leaves of Grass author Walt Whitman, fans of the poet are invited to explore his life story from the days of his working-class childhood, through his time as a Brooklyn-based newspaper reporter, and his unending quest to ensure that his work gained the attention he felt it so rightly deserved. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

In 1931, Hawaii had not yet been granted statehood, but the presence of the United States was already strong - the islands had been declared a U.S. territory, and the American military wasted no time in taking advantage of their strategic location, while agricultural firms made use of the abundant sugar and fruit crops. Late in the summer that year, news of a shocking crime swept the islands -- Thalia Fortescue Massie, whose husband was a lieutenant in the Navy, claimed that she had been beaten and raped by a gang of five men while traveling from Waikiki to Honolulu. While she claimed to be unable to identify the men who had attacked her (she also bore no physical signs of the alleged attack), and despite the lack of any evidence tying them to the crime, two Hawaiian islanders were arrested, along with two men of Japanese descent and one of Chinese heritage. At the men's trial, Mrs. Massie suddenly claimed that she did remember what had happened, offering detailed and graphic details and even identifying the accused by name. While evidence presented at their trial clearly proved the men could not have committed the crime, the jury was unable to reach a verdict, and when they were arrested on bail pending a new trial, one of the men was attacked and brutally beaten by American servicemen. Soon afterward, Grace Hubbard Fortescue, Thalia's mother, arrived in Hawaii determined to protect her family's reputation; later, one of the accused men was found dead in her car in what she eventually admitted was a revenge killing. The American Experience: The Massie Affair is a documentary that examines the facts behind this series of crimes, and explores the tragic legacy it has left on the people of Hawaii. Produced for PBS, The American Experience: The Massie Affair was first aired on April 18, 2005. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Mount Rushmore narrates the story of the one of America's most beloved monuments and the artist who crafted it. Driven by ego and self-confidence, sculptor Gutzon Borglum made a reputation for himself by carving a bust of Lincoln that Teddy Roosevelt displayed in the White House. When offered a chance to fashion a 1,500 feet Confederate memorial at Sand Mountain in Georgia, he eagerly accepted the commission. Ten years later, with little progress made, he quarreled with the backers, destroyed the models for the project, and walked away. He received another chance to execute his vision writ large when Doane Robinson suggested a similar project in South Dakota. The two decided that portraits of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt would be carved on Mount Rushmore. Because of a shortage of funds, scarcity of skilled workers, and extreme weather, it would take Borglum and his son 14 years to complete the project. Interviews with family members, project workers, and writers supplement historical film footage and narration by Michael Murphy. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Movie Guide

Part four of the acclaimed PBS series explores the rise of two great Irish dynastic families in America, the Kennedys and the O'Neills. The trial, triumphs, and tragedies of these two clans are investigated in detail and held up as examples of the final arrival of the Irish in the New World. The lasting contributions of the Irish to American culture are investigated, as well as the continuing effort of Irish-Americans to both celebrate their heritage and remain true to their roots. Serious in tone and well documented, this tape is appropriate for use in the college classroom. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide

Part three of the acclaimed PBS series explores the golden age of Irish-Americans living in America as immigrants, with children who begin to make their first indelible marks upon American society. Included are brief profiles of such figures as Al Smith and Ned Harrigan. Also covered is the rise of the first Irish political machine, Tammany Hall, which proved both a blessing and a curse for the Irish in America. Serious in tone and well documented, this tape is appropriate for use in the college classroom. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide

To America, Joe DiMaggio was more than a baseball star; he was a classy, charismatic everyman who made good and even married America's princess -- Marilyn Monroe. Introduced by American Experience series host David McCullough, and narrated by writer Richard Ben Cramer, this documentary shows that DiMaggio's fame, glamour, and adoration from the public had a warped reflection in the pain and unhappiness of his private life. It contributed to the breakup of his marriage to Monroe, and although he died a wealthy man, he was estranged from his son. Director Mark Zwonitzer includes interviews with many people who knew him, including Sonny Grosso, Judge Edwin Torres, Maury Allen Vince Marino, and Frank "Spec" Shea. Highlights also include archival photos and film footage. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide