Peter Thomas Movies
- 2009
For many US soldiers killed overseas in the first and second World Wars, their final resting place lay far from home. This documentary visits some of the American military cemeteries located in England, France, the Netherlands, Luxombourg, Belgium, Italy, Tunisia, and the Philippines. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Thomas
Fifty years after the Soviet Union made history by launching Sputnik into space, the reverberations of that historical event are still echoing around the world. Produced to coincide with the 50th anniversary of this defining moment in human history, this documentary from filmmaker David Hoffman draws on lost footage and informative interviews to detail the remarkable story surrounding the launch of Sputnik, as well as the incredible events that unfolded in America the following year. While American enthusiasm over this technological breakthrough was at first palpable, that excitement quickly turned to dread as politicians and the media pointed out that the same rocket used to propel Sputnik into space could have just as easily been outfitted with a nuclear warhead and used to launch a devastating war against the United States. The following year, tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States reached an all-time high, effectively propelling the Cold War into overdrive. With bomb shelters being built, nuclear testing lighting up the atmosphere every three days, and then-senator Lyndon B. Johnson comparing the launch of Sputnik to another Pearl Harbor, it's no wonder that folks began to get so fatalistic. In this film, Hoffman explores the tenuous first steps into the modern age, the positive and negative effects of those steps on international relations, and the staunch determination of Americans to always be the first and the best. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2005
During World War II, thousands of Japanese Americans were relocated from their homes to two camps in rural Arkansas. This documentary explores this ordeal and how it affected the men, women, and children whom were all uprooted simply because of their appearances or heritage through interviews and rare footage of the camps. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Two hundred million years ago, as the supercontinent of Pangea broke up, a tiny archipelago was isolated by the drift of India, Madagascar, and Australia. Eventually, these islands would be known as the Seychelles and would acquire a reputation as one of the most exotic environments on Earth. In this episode of the PBS show Nova, viewers are taken on an in-depth exploration of this unique territory. Jacques Cousteau called the outermost islands of this chain "one of the last sanctuaries on the planet that man has not yet defiled." Along with the attention paid to the unique flora and fauna of the islands, this tape investigates the history of man's intrusion into this forgotten world. The exploration of the islands in 1881 by famed British explorer Charles "Chinese" Gordon is covered, as well as the contemporary issues that face the future of this tiny chain. Viewers with an interest in natural history or contemporary environmental issues will find these videos of value. This tape is certainly up to the standards of other Nova programs, featuring an astonishing assortment of photography as well as cogent and probing narration. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Peter Thomas narrates this documentary exploration of WWII's only all-Jewish brigade, formed September 1944 to fight the Axis in Italy. After Germany's surrender, when the Jewish Brigade relocated at the Austrian-Italian border to aid refugees, they learned about the ordeals and suffering of most European Jews. Some soldiers went AWOL in order to seek relatives. Brigade members worked to get Jews close to southern ports, a route to the Middle East; this involved challenging rules and authorities -- with the end result that the Brigade was disbanded by British leaders. However, the intense WWII training made these men leaders in the 1948 War of Independence that led to the creation of the Israeli nation-state. Anecdotes by surviving Brigade members are intercut with archival photos, Allied military footage, and newsreels. Shown at the 1998 San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Continuing the successful format of the original How the West Was Lost series, How the West Was Lost II provides the viewer with an in-depth historical look at the conflicts and tragedies that characterized America's western expansion. Using insightful narration to hold together the collection of photographs, archival footage, and reenactments, the series offers a fresh look at this important period of American history. How the West Was Lost II: Let Them Eat Grass explores how frustration and hunger drove the Dakota Indians to massacre hundreds of white settlers in the Minnesota prairies. The program also details the eventual execution of 38 Dakota warriors in the town of Mankato, MN, for their part in the rampage. ~ Sean Hurley, All Movie Guide
