Mike Wallace Movies
Forever associated with the 60 Minutes Sunday-night news magazine on CBS -- which he anchored for an astonishing 38 years (1968-2006) -- Mike Wallace became synonymous with on-air trustworthiness and reliability, and the nation's preeminent guide to outstanding, documentary-style probes of contemporary issues and global phenomena. Born May 9, 1918, in the posh Boston suburb of Brookline, MA, Wallace attended the University of Michigan as a young man, and later accepted a job as announcer at WOOD-AM radio in nearby Grand Rapids (in 1939). Wallace segued from this into a stint manning radio commercials and announcing serialized radio dramas at stations in Detroit and Chicago. Within a decade, Wallace leapt into the then-nascent medium of television with full abandon, working in any and every capacity allowed him, including dramatic roles, game shows, and the occasional assignment hosting a talk show, such as the now-forgotten Mike and Buff.In 1963, Wallace grew sick of non-news interests and reported to CBS News president Richard Salent, asserting that he had "sanitized" himself of all television matters unconnected to nonfiction reportage. Salent allegedly hired Wallace with a 65-percent pay deduction, but the burgeoning newsman persisted, and in time received title credit on the CBS morning news broadcasts; The CBS Morning News With Mike Wallace ran from 1963 through 1966 and garnered enormous popularity. But Wallace's greatest legacy was still at least two years away. On Tuesday evening, September 24, 1968, 60 Minutes premiered at 10:00 p.m., with Wallace as its chief anchor and Harry Reasoner as his co-host. According to Broadcasting magazine, the format itself developed out of Night Beat, a local talk program hosted by Wallace in 1956, in which he had exhibited a trademark "adversarial style" of journalism. 60 Minutes producers' strategy involved counterbalancing this aggression with Reasoner's genial "nice guy" approach. The plan worked, and the program's ratings shot up to astronomical levels, qualifying it as nothing less than a national phenomenon. As noted, Wallace remained on 60 Minutes for decades, but even after he retired, he returned from time to time to man periodic interviews.
In addition to his role on 60 Minutes, Wallace occasionally dabbled in acting, with a cameo in Elia Kazan's shattering indictment of television, A Face in the Crowd (1957), as well as a humorous 1993 guest appearance on Murphy Brown (a series that a number of his colleagues also appeared on). Wallace hosted the popular documentary series The 20th Century With Mike Wallace (1994-2000), which investigated everything from the Gulf War to celebrity murders to gun control and hurricanes. He also appears as an interviewee in the documentaries Vietnam: Chronicle of a War (1981) and Watergate: The Secret Story (1992). ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- 1999
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, investigates what went wrong with President Bill Clinton's health care plan and how the failure of this recent plan is just the latest of many health insurance fiascoes. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode takes a look at the insurance reform plans through history, up to this latest President Clinton plan, which was headed up by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. 20th Century With Mike Wallace talks to Clinton administration insiders, reporters, and other political figures who speak about the problems of that plan and how it was doomed to fail from the beginning. Wallace also researches if the Clinton plan was a step forward or a step backward in the national health insurance cause. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1999
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores the infamous ship disasters of the last century. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode starts with the most notorious shipwreck of all time: the Titanic. From there, this episode looks at the disasters of the Achille Lauro and others, all of which initiated new and improved safety measures on modern ships. Even with these continual advancements in shipboard security, disasters still can occur, with the Carnival Cruise Lines Ecstasy experiencing an on-board fire during one cruise in 1998. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with some cruise line experts who talk about the vast array of dangers that ships can encounter while at sea and while docked. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1999
In this documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace studies the life, work, and controversy of Senator Joseph McCarthy. This episode offers new evidence and insights into the McCarthy era and the infamous blacklist he perpetrated on the United States. With newly discovered information from the CIA and Russian declassified files, Wallace digs deep into the heart of the Wisconsin Senator's reasons for the Communist witch hunts he led. 20th Century With Mike Wallace also features commentary from scholars and historians who talk about the era of McCarthy and how the fear he instilled into many Americans might have been justified, at least more than previously thought. However, some historians see this new evidence as nothing that lends any credence to a blacklist that ruined so many lives and careers. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This program is part of the popular investigative series on HBO America Undercover. This episode is a study of an American epidemic: depression. People with depression often suffer for years untreated for the symptoms of this debilitating disease. Failure to recognize the problem as an illness, or fear of social stigma are two of the reasons why so many people go without help. Clinical psychologists offer insights on ways to cope with and overcome severe depression. Mike Wallace and William Styron are among the celebrities presented on the show to talk about their successful recovery from this widespread mental disorder. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores the history of NASA and the space program in this country. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode examines the early days of space exploration, when astronauts were making groundbreaking flights where the outcome was unsure. After the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, space was never the same. In 1986, the Challenger crash once again changed the space program. That crash, which took the lives of all onboard, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher from New Hampshire who was sent up as part of a PR program, forced NASA to reinvent itself. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with some NASA insiders and former astronauts who have detailed knowledge of the space program. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, takes a look at the private sides to the very public American presidents. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode uses the President Bill Clinton scandal as a springboard to head back in time, looking at the secret love lives of the past U.S. presidents of the 20th century. Some of the scandals revealed involved Grover Cleveland, Andrew Jackson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy, among others. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features an exclusive interview with White House correspondent Walter Trohan, who covered FDR's years in office, and talks about what was kept private and what was made public. There are also interviews with media members and journalists who speculate on the pros and cons of revealing the private sides to these highly public figures. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
In this documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace explores the science of transplants and how far they have come through the years. This episode goes back to the time of the first organ transplant, when this medical marvel was so new that doctors did not know what to expect, to the implantation of the Jarvik-7 artificial heart into Barney Clark in 1982. Today, transplants are common and advances in medicine now focus on the cutting edge of technology, such as mechanical or genetically altered organs used in transplants. 20th Century With Mike Wallace talks with many doctors and scientists who are involved in the practice of organ transplantation. Dr. Keith Reemtsma from Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York talks about the history of developments, breakthroughs, delays, and moral questions in the area of organ transplants. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, studies the historical and modern conditions of the Middle East and how the countries of that region relate to each other. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode documents the early 20th century history of this region, from the times when the continual chaos begins right after WWII with the desire of the Jewish people to create a Jewish state. 20th Century With Mike Wallace focuses on the leaderships of former Israeli Prime Minister, the late Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat, both of whom guided the Middle East through some of the most influential changes ever. There are excerpts of interviews with both of these leaders and reports from political insiders and journalists who followed them through these events. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
In this documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace delves into the world of spy games, from the fearful days of the Cold War to more present times. This episode examines the cases of some of the most notorious spies in American history, including the greatest act of espionage in CIA history, the case of Aldrich Ames. Ames sold classified information to the Soviet Union in exchange for millions of dollars, even though he was aware that the information he was giving the Soviets would lead to the deaths of some American agents. 20th Century With Mike Wallace also examines the case of the Walker family and how they helped Soviets decode millions of U.S. Navy messages. There are interviews with many CIA and federal insiders, including former CIA director William Colby. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, takes an up-close look into the long road to freedom for blacks in South Africa. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode covers some history of this controversial country, from the 1948 beginning of Apartheid to the decades of crime, violence, hatred, and pain which followed. After Apartheid was overthrown in the 1990s, South Africa is on its way to freedom and peace, but it still has a long road ahead before the entire nation is settled. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with historians who talk about the Apartheid years and conversations with political insiders who talk about the present conditions and the future of this African nation. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
In this documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace enters the mysterious world of deoxyribonucleic acid, more commonly known as DNA. This episode goes back to the days of DNA's discovery in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick. Since then, the entire face of science has been changed with this miraculous breakthrough, including the increase in genetic-related sciences. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with scientists and DNA experts who talk about both the pros, such as DNA testing for crime solving, and the cons of DNA, such as genetic engineering. There is also an interview with Jeremy Rifkin, author of The Biotech Century, who shares his insights on the increasing debate over the uses of genetic testing. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, takes a look at the high number of child sex abuse cases that came out in the late '80s involving day care centers. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode explores how some of these cases were hyped up by the press and how coverage of these scandals affected day care centers for years to come. When true, this is a very serious subject, but at times, serious incidents get out of hand and the truth becomes misunderstood. 20th Century With Mike Wallace explores how such serious occurrences became more of a media frenzy than a potential criminal investigation. Interviews with media and law enforcement people add personal insights into these cases of excessive hype. There is also a detailed study of the McMartin preschool case, where an entire family was destroyed solely by abuse allegations. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, delves deep into the world of prisons. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode captures the state of the penal system in this country by visiting a variety of different correctional institutions and talking to different people who both work and live in prisons. 20th Century With Mike Wallace interviews many different individuals well-acquainted with the prison system, including Jermarr Arnold, who is imprisoned in a jail that claims "lock 'em up and throw away the key" to be the prison motto. The other extreme is Michael Marcum, who is a former inmate turned prison warden. Even though he is a prison system success story, Marcum still describes the prison system as a "monster factory." ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, studies and compares two very different yet similar illnesses that stemmed from two wars: Agent Orange from the Vietnam War and the Gulf War syndrome. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode first looks at Agent Orange, with interviews of families who had personal experience with this disease. One story focuses on chief of naval operations Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who ordered the use of a defoliant as part of his command. That very chemical he put into use was said to have killed his son. The Gulf War syndrome is also studied, documented with interviews of men and women who suffer from this misunderstood disease. 20th Century With Mike Wallace compares the personal interviews with those of doctors and scientists who talk about the similarities between these two wartime illnesses. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, investigates the raging forest fires throughout Florida in 1999. These Florida fires raged on for months, resulting in the worst fire season Florida has even seen. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode goes behind the scenes at the way the fires were fought and the men and women who risked their lives to do so. From the helicopter pilots who poured thousands of gallons of water from the air onto the fire to the men and women who helped build fire-retaining trenches, this episode covers it all. 20th Century With Mike Wallace also features interviews with firefighters who compare these fires to others and who talk about how modern technological methods have changed they way they fight forest fires. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
In the second part of Murphy Brown's series finale (originally telecast as the conclusion of a single 60-minute episode), Murphy undergoes surgery for a possible malignancy. While under the ether, Murphy conducts an interview with God (played by Alan King), which quickly (and typically) degenerates into a shouting match. Ultimately, however, God advises Murphy to give up her retirement plans and return to work--and once it turns out that she's cancer-free, Murphy follows His advice. The now-classic closing scene finds Murphy reunited with her favorite house-painter Eldin Bernecky (welcome back, Robert Pastorelli), who has come to her townhouse on a mysterious mission. Series producer Diane English pops up uncredited as a doctor...and say, isn't that George Clooney? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, investigates the role of Hispanics and Hispanic culture in the American society of today and tomorrow. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode offers a variety of factual background information, including the fact that by the year 2050, Hispanics will make up one-quarter of the U.S. population. Wallace and other CBS News correspondents talk with Americans who feel strongly one way or the other about this rise in the Hispanic population. Some think that this population shift will negatively affect the job market and the cost of public services, while others see this as one more sign that America is the ultimate "melting pot." Roberto Suro, author of Strangers Among Us, and Ruben Rumbaut, from Michigan State University, offer their views on these issues and how this rise in Hispanic culture will change the future of America. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, takes a look at the history of hostages and hostage situations. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode goes back to the 1972 Olympics, when the massacre of Israeli athletes led to a string of violent hostage events. In the 1980s, hostages were held during the Lebanese Civil War and the negotiation for the safe return of these hostages directly led to the most heated scandal of the Reagan administration -- the arms-for-hostages arrangement. Wallace and other CBS News reporters use news footage to document these sometimes tragic and sometimes heroic events throughout history. There is also a look at later events that took place in Peru, Holland, and even Washington, D.C., and experts discuss why certain new international policies have limited the number of hostage situations in the past years. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, examines the types and possible uses of biochemicals as weapons. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode heads back to the days of WWI, when biological and chemical weapons were first created. Since then, there have been many close calls and even some actual attacks through the use of biochemicals, including the Japan subway attack in 1995. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features an interview with Leonard A. Cole, author of The Eleventh Plague: The Politics of Biological and Chemical Warfare, who discusses his opinions on the future of this form of deadly weapon. There is also a look at some of the countries that have biological and/or chemical weapons at their disposal and what America is doing to safeguard its citizens from these dangers. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, delves into the life and work of Alabama governor and Civil Rights Movement opponent George Wallace. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode studies how George Wallace rose to political fame in the racially divided South of the 1940s and '50s. His racially separatist views continued to be called into question, as to whether these were George Wallace's personal views or whether he was just appeasing the 1950s white majority of the state of Alabama. After a 1972 assassination attempt, George Wallace was rendered partially paralyzed when a bullet hit his spinal cord. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features footage from the CBS News archives and interviews with those who knew George Wallace best, both personally and politically. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, delves into the complex world of the United States' relationships with both Iran and Iraq. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode covers the history of relations between all three of these countries, from the days of the overthrow of the Shah of Iran to the Iranian hostage crisis to the Persian Gulf War. When Mohammad Khatami was elected president in Iran, he sparked an interest in improving the situation between his country and the U.S. Wallace and other CBS News correspondents offer their insight into the future of the relations between these three countries. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, takes a look at the mysterious and controversial world of profiling criminals. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode explores the history of profilers and profiling and how it has taken years for it to gain any respect in the law enforcement community. From 1972, when the FBI opened the Behavioral Science Unit, to the present, the science of profiling criminals has always come under fire by police and legal experts. Gradually, the level of recognition for profiling has grown and some non-believers have been swayed over to the possibility that profiling actually works in solving crimes. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with a variety of law enforcement professionals who speak candidly about their opinions and what the future holds for profiling. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, relives some of the highlights of the early history of NASA and the space program. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode focuses on the Mercury Project, which featured the first historic space flight of Alan Shepherd and the other groundbreaking flight by John Glenn. 20th Century With Mike Wallace uses CBS News footage of early space missions and coverage, in addition to interviews with astronauts from this period in time to learn about what the early days of outer space exploration were all about. There are also interviews with reporters who covered these space flights and talks with historians who lend their insights about this era of early achievements by Americans and the Soviets. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the flawed presidencies of Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode explores what happened to these two world leaders to make one not run for re-election and the other to resign from office. First, Wallace and other CBS reporters take a look at the downfall of Johnson's presidency: Vietnam and all of the lies, cover-ups, and errors of that undeclared war. Then, there is an examination of the Nixon White House, from the time he seemingly saved the country by ending America's involvement with Vietnam to the days of Watergate. 20th Century With Mike Wallace uses extensive CBS News footage and interviews with historians and political insiders to relive this sad period in the country's history. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1997
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores the mystery behind the power of tornadoes. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode looks at how little scientists really know about these forces of nature, even though they have been studied for centuries. Today's modern meteorological technology still does not guarantee any early warning for when, where, and if a tornado will strike. 20th Century With Mike Wallace includes disaster footage of some of the most deadly tornadoes in history, including the twister in Saragosa, TX, in 1987, the "Palm Sunday" tornadoes that swept through several Southern states, and the twister that damaged Xenia, OH, in 1974. There are also interviews with scientists and meteorologists who talk about the tremendous force and potential for destruction tornadoes possess. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
