Chuck Braverman Movies

In this documentary from Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Marilyn and Chuck Braverman, the remarkable yet tragic history of the American Staffordshire Terrier - aka the Pit Bull Terrier - is explored from the era when it was considered the "All American Dog" to it's later reputation as a vicious attack dog frequently used by drug dealers. While it may be hard for some to believe, there was a time when the Pit Bull Terrier was considered a loyal and loving companion for humans. Thomas Jefferson owned a pair, Helen Keller relied on one for assistance, and even the Little Rascals frolicked carefree with their skittish Pit Bull Petey. Sadly, Pit Bull would gradually evolve from the working dog of the upper class to become the bloodthirsty bodyguard of choice for inner city drug dealers. In this documentary filmmakers explore the entire spectrum of roles that the Pit Bull has played in American society while asking whether the breed is a dependable family pet or an unpredictable killing machine. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

This 46 minute documentary takes a look at issues of domestic violence, murder, and how the legal process seeks to protect the right people. It follows the story of a woman named Susan Greenberg who killed her boyfriend in 1987, when she was 19, after enduring severe physical and emotional abuse. After being found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life, Greenberg sought to be released based on evidence that the murder was a result of "Battered Woman Syndrome." ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide

Originally aired on PBS, this playful look at the loveable bug-eyed pooches that inspire fierce loyalty in their owners offers amusing insight into the bond that develops between the pug breed and their masters as well as how pug owners have began establishing veritable communities that even include pug parks and social clubs. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The purpose of this PBS documentary is to show that the true villains of the Hollywood Blacklist were not always "evil" politicians and fat-cat studio moguls. Filmmaker Lionel Chetwynd (ironically a lifelong staunch conservative) has chosen his mentor, screenwriter Carl Foreman, as the hero of the piece. The narrative focuses on 1952, the year that Foreman wrote the script for the classic Western High Noon. Even as his film is being lauded by the critics and the public alike as a masterpiece, the politically "dangerous" Foreman cannot find work in Hollywood, and the State Department is endeavoring to seize his passport. It is hurtful enough that old friends shun him, out of fear that they too will be "tainted"; but when even Stanley Kramer, the self-avowed liberal producer of High Noon, turns his back on Foreman, it is too much to bear. Chetwynd's teleplay is based upon an impassioned letter written by Foreman to influential film critic Bosley Crowther -- a desperate effort on the part of the screenwriter to state his case before the public, and, as it turns out, a futile gesture. At the time of its original telecast in September 2002, Darkness at High Noon: The Carl Foreman Documents incurred the wrath of Stanley Kramer's widow, Karen Sharpe Kramer, who insisted that her late husband was being unfairly maligned; thus it was that Chetwynd was forced to add a disclaimer to the document, begrudgingly stating that his thesis was merely "one version of the story." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Chuck Braverman directed this documentary look at a last-chance disciplinary camp for troubled youngsters. Eagle Academy in Belle Glade, FL, is an educational institution that makes discipline its first priority; modeled after a Marine Corps boot camp, Eagle Academy was designed to instill an appreciation of order and authority into youths between the ages of 13 and 18 who've been a problem for their parents, teachers, and peers. High School Boot Camp follows a new class of students at the academy showing how they respond to 4 a.m. reveille, daily drills, abrasive drill instructors, and the constant challenges to their old way of life. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

This documentary chronicles the political career of Jimmy Carter through the use of television news footage. ~ All Movie Guide