Peter Jennings Movies
Over the course of four decades, broadcast journalist Peter Jennings achieved international fame and built an enduring reputation as chief anchor on the ABC Evening News (eventually retitled ABC World News Tonight). Born July 29, 1938, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Jennings had broadcasting in his blood: his father, Charles Jennings, served as the first radio announcer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation after its establishment in the mid-'30s, and Peter himself hosted a short-lived children's radio series called Peter's Program at nine years old. Jennings dropped out of high school as a teenager and held down a job as a bank teller for several years. Afterward, he picked up his father's reins and pursued a career as a radio broadcaster and then a television news correspondent.A deeply impressed ABC News hired 25-year-old Jennings on August 3, 1964, and invited him to serve as their news anchor one year later. This lasted until January 1968, but at that point, Jennings decided that he needed more grassroots experience and stepped down to resume work as a regular "field correspondent." Bob Young inherited the position from him. From the field, Jennings covered such pivotal and earth-shattering stories as the ongoing American escalation in Vietnam, the 1972 terrorist kidnapping of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic Games, and the Cambodian genocide. After 16 years, Jennings finally reassumed the assignment of ABC News anchor in 1983 and retained the position for over 20 years. (TV historians Tim Brooks and Earle Marsh later observed that while he was "dismissed as a kid in the '60s, [Jennings rose] in stature to become America's leading anchorman in the 1990s.") In the process, Jennings collected 16 Emmys, a George Foster Peabody Award, a National Headliner Award, a handful of Overseas Press Club Awards, and dozens of additional honors.
Unlike a few of his newsroom contemporaries, Jennings never did feature film work or made humorous cameos as himself in series programs. His filmed work outside of the newsroom exclusively consists of dozens of ABC News and non-ABC-affiliated documentary videos on a seemingly limitless array of subjects, typically with Jennings hosting, dispassionately and objectively. Selected titles include ABC News: Peter Jennings from the Killing Fields (1986), JFK Remembered (1988), Nature's Fury: A Decade of Disasters (1989), The Japanese Way of Life (1990), and ABC News: Inauguration '93 (1993). Around the turn of the millennium, he also hosted the popular programs This Century: America's Time and Peter Jennings Reporting, and published the 1998 bestseller This Century, a 20th century retrospective that Jennings co-authored with Todd Brewster.
Tragically, Jennings died at a relatively young age. Only 67, he passed away in late summer 2005, of lung cancer, a condition he only became aware of four or five months prior. According to the ABC website, Jennings began "aggressive chemotherapy treatments," but they did little to stall the onslaught of the disease. Jennings was married four times: first to Valerie Godsoe, then to Lebanese photographer Annie Malouf, then to Kati Marton, and finally (in 1997 until his death) to Kayce Freed. He had two children with Marton: Elizabeth Jennings (born in 1980) and Christopher Jennings (born in 1982). ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- 2005
- Add Our Greatest Hopes, Our Worst Fears: The Tragedy of the Munich Games to Queue Add Our Greatest Hopes, Our Worst Fears: The Tragedy of the Munich Games to top of Queue
Released on DVD to coincide with the theatrical premiere of Steven Spielberg's Munich, The Tragedy of the Munich Games documents the events of September 5, 1972 when Arab terrorists kidnapped Israeli athletes who were at the Olympic games. In addition to utilizing much of the footage that aired on ABC, the network covering the games, the film features interviews with some of the anchorman and reporters who were live on the scene. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
The reporters of ABC News team up to explore the causes of physical pain and the impact that it has on the daily lives of millions of Americans in an investigative report designed to better educate those suffering from chronic pain and offer a favorable look at the many promising treatments for pain that loom just over the medical horizon. Segments include "Controlling Pain," "The Next Miracle Drug?," "Pain Specialists," Alternative Treatments," "Treating Pain in Children," and "New Treatments for Pain." ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 2004
- Add Peter Jennings Reporting: The Search for Paul to Queue Add Peter Jennings Reporting: The Search for Paul to top of Queue
While Jesus Christ was inarguably the cornerstone figure in the development of Christianity, his disciple Paul served a vitally important function in setting the course for the nascent faith, especially after the passing of Jesus. ABC News Presents Peter Jennings: The Search for Paul is a made-for-TV documentary which examines Paul's role in the history of Christianity -- his close connection with Jesus and his followers, his role in establishing Christianity as a decisively separate faith from Judaism, and how his relative strengths and weaknesses are viewed by religious historians today. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- 2004
- Add War With Iraq: Stories From the Front to Queue Add War With Iraq: Stories From the Front to top of Queue
In 2003, as American troops invaded Iraq on the orders of president George W. Bush, many major American news organizations had reporters "embedded" with military units on the frontlines. ABC News had a number of broadcast journalists traveling with soldiers in Iraq, and War With Iraq: Stories From the Front collects over four hours of reports filed from the early months of the conflict as they examined various aspects of the lives of America's fighting men and women. Peter Jennings serves as host, with Ted Koppel, Don Dahler, Stephanie Gosk, Tamala Edwards, and Jim Sciutto among the reporters contributing their viewpoints. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- 2003
This in-depth ABC news special was telecast exactly 40 years after the historic "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before a cheering throng of thousands. Host/narrator Peter Jennings places the speech and its impact in the context of its times: few can forget that, in 1963, a majority of African-Americans will still being denied the fundamental rights that were the birthright of all Americans. Clips of the celebrated speech are interspersed with the memories of those who witnessed the event first-hand; among the more startling revelations is the fact that much of the speech was extemporaneous, an eternal testament to the Rev. King's natural eloquence. I Have a Dream concludes with an examination as to how much of that dream has actually come true in the intervening four decades. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2003
A veteran of more than 40 years in broadcasting, Jim McKay is much, much more than the "voice" of ABC's Wide World of Sports, as proven by this ambitious made-for-cable documentary. Born Jim McManus, McKay laboriously worked his way up the local-market mill to join ABC at a time when the perennial also-ran network was staking out its predominance in the realm of televised sports. The recipient of 12 Emmy awards, McKay is fully fleshed in contemporary interviews (both his own and those of his colleagues) and vintage film clips, none more poignantly powerful than those derived from his heartbreaking covering of the Munich massacre in 1972, and none more uplifting than his play-by-play description of the 1980 U.S. hockey team. In addition to celebrating his professional life, Jim McKay: My World in My Words is also a loving paean to McKay's wife, Margaret Dempsey McManus. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jim McKay, Margaret Dempsey McManus, (more)
- 2003
- Add Peter Jennings Reporting: The Kennedy Assassination - Beyond Conspiracy to Queue Add Peter Jennings Reporting: The Kennedy Assassination - Beyond Conspiracy to top of Queue
In recognition of the 40th anniversary of the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, ABC News anchorman Peter Jennings reexamines the theories about what really happened on that fateful day in Dallas, TX. Along with experts and historians, Jennings looks at evidence, including the legendary eight-millimeter home movie of the shooting that was captured by bystander Abraham Zapruder, to determine if Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone or was a simple cog in a complex conspiracy. And if there were others involved, just who exactly were they? ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- 2002
Officially a component of the ongoing ABC News Special anthology, the six-part In Search of America was based on the book of the same name by newscaster Peter Jennings and Tom Brewster. Hosted by Jennings from various parts of the U.S., the series explored how the America of the 21st century measured up to the "guiding principles" of the Founding Fathers. Among the topics discussed were free enterprise, free speech, racial issues, immigration, morality, and the preservation of the environment. Timed to air just before the first anniversary of the World Trade Center catastrophe (though Jennings' original book was actually completed before September 11, 2001), In Search of America debuted on September 3, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Jennings
- 2000
ABC 2000 -- New Millennium Highlights documents historic turn-of-the-century New Year's Eve celebrations around the United States. Celebrity ABC news personalities host the video, which features a montage of American fireworks and festivities. Philadelphia's patriotic citywide extravaganza is one special highlight. Commentary emphasizes the poignancy of the end of the 20th century and the start of a brand-new day. ~ Betsy Boyd, Rovi
- 2000
- Add Peter Jennings Reporting: The Search for Jesus to Queue Add Peter Jennings Reporting: The Search for Jesus to top of Queue
For two millennia, perhaps no figure has created more discussion, study, and debate than Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Instead of studying the spiritual effects and ramifications, this ABC News special finds anchorman Peter Jennings looking at Christ and the Christian religion from an historical point-of-view. Taking into account ancient writings and relics, Peter Jennings Reporting: The Search for Jesus attempts to offer viewers a fact-based picture of the man many claim is the son of God. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- 1999
Something about the millennium makes documentarians wax nostalgic. ABC is no exception. With the rollover of the year, decade, and century, summations are in order. The Century: America's Time is one such wrap-up, albeit a mighty ambitious one. Peter Jennings narrates this look back at the last 100 years. From a strictly American point of view, the video starts at the turn of the century, with the birth of the common man, and moves all the way to present-day technology, with the computer leading the way. The presentation is divided onto six tapes. Each program tramples through a dense history with Jennings providing the transitions. Beginning with the great melting pot, a timeline of occurrences highlights each video: the invention of the automobile, the suffrage movement, both world wars, and Vietnam. The video covers the "hippie" movement, the Red Scare, and the undeniable AIDS epidemic. At times, the stories are told by American icons, including Oliver Stone and Eudora Welty. Other moments are described by photographs alone. This collection is an exercise in textbook description with little analysis assigned to the events. However, for the history buff, The Century: America's Time is a gold mine. In Century: America's Time, Vol. 6, unexpected changes dot the landscape of the Reagan era. The end of the Cold War and the emergence of the nouveau riche dominate the '80s. This wrap-up focuses on the pivotal moments of the '90s -- from the Oklahoma Bombing to the Persian Gulf War. The creation of a media-hungry culture is apparent. The program ends with a look to the future. Episodes included are: Century: America's Time - 1981-1989: A New World and Century: America's Time - The '90s and Beyond: Then and Now.
~ Sarah Ing, Rovi
~ Sarah Ing, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Jennings
- 1999
Something about the millennium makes documentarians wax nostalgic. ABC is no exception. With the rollover of the year, decade, and century, summations are in order. The Century: America's Time is one such wrap-up, albeit a mighty ambitious one. Peter Jennings narrates this look back at the last 100 years. From a strictly American point of view, the video starts at the turn of the century, with the birth of the common man, and moves all the way to present-day technology, with the computer leading the way. The presentation is divided onto six tapes. Each program tramples through a dense history with Jennings providing the transitions. Beginning with the great melting pot, a timeline of occurrences highlights each video: the invention of the automobile, the suffrage movement, both world wars, and Vietnam. The video covers the "hippie" movement, the Red Scare, and the undeniable AIDS epidemic. At times, the stories are told by American icons, including Oliver Stone and Eudora Welty. Other moments are described by photographs alone. This collection is an exercise in textbook description with little analysis assigned to the events. However, for the history buff, The Century: America's Time is a gold mine. In Century: America's Time, Vol. 5, Nixon and Watergate fill the program. An American betrayal creates a distrustful nation. For the first time, democracy is a dirty word. America is more divided than ever as political causes become caustic. Women's rights, the environmental movement, and the religious right are all factors in an increasingly disparate nation. Episodes included are: Century: America's Time - 1971-1975: Approaching the Apocalypse and Century: America's Time - 1976-1980: Starting Over.
~ Sarah Ing, Rovi
~ Sarah Ing, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Jennings
- 1999
Something about the millennium makes documentarians wax nostalgic. ABC is no exception. With the rollover of the year, decade, and century, summations are in order. The Century: America's Time is one such wrap-up, albeit a mighty ambitious one. Peter Jennings narrates this look back at the last 100 years. From a strictly American point of view, the video starts at the turn of the century, with the birth of the common man, and moves all the way to present-day technology, with the computer leading the way. The presentation is divided onto six tapes. Each program tramples through a dense history with Jennings providing the transitions. Beginning with the great melting pot, a timeline of occurrences highlights each video: the invention of the automobile, the suffrage movement, both world wars, and Vietnam. The video covers the "hippie" movement, the Red Scare, and the undeniable AIDS epidemic. At times, the stories are told by American icons, including Oliver Stone and Eudora Welty. Other moments are described by photographs alone. This collection is an exercise in textbook description with little analysis assigned to the events. However, for the history buff, The Century: America's Time is a gold mine. In Century: America's Time, Vol. 4, the focus is on the "Happy Daze." On the surface, most Americans seemed content. But the nation teemed with anger. McCarthy riled up the public, while civil rights leaders were jailed. This period stands as one of the most tension-filled in history. Later, with John F. Kennedy at the helm, America's potential was never so great. This program traces the fall of Camelot and the rise of communist resentments. At home, a race war heats up as America enters a perilous time with the unending Vietnam War and the end of segregation. Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy are killed and the future seems bleak. Episodes included are: Century: America's Time - 1953-1960: Happy Daze, Century: America's Time - 1960-1964: Poisoned Dreams, and Century: America's Time -1965-1970: Unpinned .
~ Sarah Ing, Rovi
~ Sarah Ing, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Jennings
- 1999
Something about the millennium makes documentarians wax nostalgic. ABC is no exception. With the rollover of the year, decade, and century, summations are in order. The Century: America's Time is one such wrap-up, albeit a mighty ambitious one. Peter Jennings narrates this look back at the last 100 years. From a strictly American point of view, the video starts at the turn of the century, with the birth of the common man, and moves all the way to present-day technology, with the computer leading the way. The presentation is divided onto six tapes. Each program tramples through a dense history with Jennings providing the transitions. Beginning with the great melting pot, a timeline of occurrences highlights each video: the invention of the automobile, the suffrage movement, both world wars, and Vietnam. The video covers the "hippie" movement, the Red Scare, and the undeniable AIDS epidemic. At times, the stories are told by American icons, including Oliver Stone and Eudora Welty. Other moments are described by photographs alone. This collection is an exercise in textbook description with little analysis assigned to the events. However, for the history buff, The Century: America's Time is a gold mine. Century: America's Time, Vol. 3 portrays America's involvement in World War II as inevitable. Focus is on the ravages of conflict and the aftermath of the global affair. The working face of the country changed when America went to war. Women assumed a leading role and the demographics changed massively. Finally, the program recounts the glory days for American men, with the return of soldiers after the war and the growth of suburban life. Now the watchdog for the world, America struggled under its new crown. Episodes included are: Century: America's Time - 1941-1945: Civilians at War, Century: America's Time - 1941-1945: Homefront, and Century: America's Time - 1946-1952: Best Years .
~ Sarah Ing, Rovi
~ Sarah Ing, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Jennings
- 1999
Something about the millennium makes documentarians wax nostalgic. ABC is no exception. With the rollover of the year, decade, and century, summations are in order. The Century: America's Time is one such wrap-up, albeit a mighty ambitious one. Peter Jennings narrates this look back at the last 100 years. From a strictly American point of view, the video starts at the turn of the century, with the birth of the common man, and moves all the way to present-day technology, with the computer leading the way. The presentation is divided onto six tapes. Each program tramples through a dense history with Jennings providing the transitions. Beginning with the great melting pot, a timeline of occurrences highlights each video: the invention of the automobile, the suffrage movement, both world wars, and Vietnam. The video covers the "hippie" movement, the Red Scare, and the undeniable AIDS epidemic. At times, the stories are told by American icons, including Oliver Stone and Eudora Welty. Other moments are described by photographs alone. This collection is an exercise in textbook description with little analysis assigned to the events. However, for the history buff, The Century: America's Time is a gold mine. Century: America's Time, Vol. 2 focuses on the Great Depression. Prosperity is almost unattainable for a quarter of the population. Next, the build-up to World War II captivates America's attention; as the nation struggles to remain uninvolved, Europe falls into greater strife. Episodes included are: Century: America's Time - 1929-1936 Stormy Weather and Century: AMerica's Time -1936-1941 Over the Edge. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi
- Starring:
- Peter Jennings
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