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
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, takes a look at the People's Republic of China in the years since the death of ruler Mao Tse Tung. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode first looks at how China thrived under Mao in an economic and political way. However, Mao's strong, ruthless leadership resulted in scars of human suffering on the country that will never go away. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features footage that was shot from inside China and documents how the rulers since Mao have coped and struggled. Deng Xiaoping worked on making China into a free market economy, even though it was still a Communist country. More recently, Jiang Zemin took China a step backwards after reports of some human rights violations and corruption under his rule. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, delves into the dark world of the murder of celebrities. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode looks at a variety of different celebrity cases throughout history. From the Sharon Tate murder by Charles Manson and John Lennon's assassination by Mark David Chapman to Phil Hartman's murder at the hands of his suicidal wife to the shooting of singer and actor Tupac Shakur. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with some of the law enforcement professionals who worked on these notorious cases and also with some historians who talk about the continual impact of the murder of a public figure in American society. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, examines the natural weather phenomenon of El Niño. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode traces the history of El Niño, which is not only a 20th century occurrence, but an event that has been reoccurring throughout time. The earliest documented case of El Niño happened in the 16th century when Peru was plagued with disastrous floods. In 1998, seven states recorded the wettest winter on record, whereas 11 states documented the warmest winter of their histories. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features scientists and meteorologists, including Vernon Kousky from the National Weather Service, talking about the causes of this weather pattern and what can be done to predict and to prepare for the next time El Niño returns. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, probes into the heart of the communist witchhunt of the 1940s and 1950s, led by conservative Senator Joseph McCarthy. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode explores how many of those "blacklisted" by the threats of communist activities were of the entertainment community, especially from Hollywood, CA. 20th Century With Mike Wallace looks at how McCarthy and the other members of the House on Un-American Activities Committee was able to keep the movie industry under a cloak of fear for so many years. Many careers were suspended by this blacklist scandal, including director Edward Dmytryk and screenwriters Dalton Trumbo and Ring Lardner Jr. Some of these entertainment workers suffered so greatly during these blacklist years that many actors, directors, and writers never found work again, even after the McCarthy era ended. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, heads into the heart of the drug culture of the 1980s and 1990s and looks at what the government tried to do to stop the drug problem. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode explains how some of the governmental policies actually contributed to the rise in popularity of certain drugs. Some laws do help regulate the import of certain drugs, but those same laws do not prevent other illegal drugs from coming into America. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with law enforcement officials who work in this supposed "war on drugs" every day and talk about what occurs behind the scenes that the government conceals from the American public. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, studies what can go wrong in the legal system when too much emphasis is placed on eyewitness testimony in court. Under the Constitution, a defendant is innocent until proven guilty, a concept which can be abused by the legal system, the public, and even the press. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode takes a close look at some of the famous cases where innocent people have been falsely convicted based on the juries believing the eyewitnesses over the alleged criminals themselves. Some of the cases explored in this episode include the case of Richard Jewell, Clayton Harwig, and Virginia McMartin. 20th Century With Mike Wallace also studies the role of the press in these high-profile cases and how sometimes the defendants are proven guilty in the media before they ever enter a courtroom. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores the dark era and shaky present and future of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode gives the history of the reign of FBI head J. Edgar Hoover, when the FBI was mostly about dark secrets and covert, hidden activities. After Hoover's departure, the agency tried to regain some of its respectability as a law enforcement arm of the government. 20th Century With Mike Wallace looks at how the agency had more years of bad press during the 1990s. In this decade, many controversial FBI cases somehow went awry, including the Waco attack on the Branch Davidians, the Atlanta Olympics bombing, and the standoff at Ruby Ridge. Talks with FBI insiders reveal that the agency has deep-seated issues to deal with in order to regain the trust that it lost with Americans. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
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 goes behind the scenes of cults and how some cults carry their fanaticism to deadly heights. This episode examines some of the most infamous cult-related suicides, including the Branch Davidians mass suicide in Waco, TX and the deaths of the members of the Heaven's Gate cult. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with federal agents, law enforcement professionals, and reporters, all of whom have had firsthand experience with these drastic cult activities. Some former Heaven's Gate members talk about what being part of that cult was like and how hard it is to escape from the psychological reaches of the cult. There is also footage from the CBS News archives of the fiery attack of the Branch Davidians compound in Waco. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, examines several battles brewing within the Yellowstone National Park. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode looks at how Yellowstone deals with the threat of forest fires and how their "let it burn" policy caused acres of damage to fires in 1988. Another debate within the grounds of the park is concerning wolves and whether or not these animals should be allowed in Yellowstone. Environmentalists believe that the wolves will solve the starvation problem for the elk and bison, but local ranchers are worried about the wolves attacking their livestock and other animals. There also is a debate about a mining company working too close to the national park boundaries and how Yellowstone could be affected by this exploration work. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, closely examines the event that happened in 1989 China in Tiananmen Square. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode tells how many of the students who were protesting in the square were students who returned to China after attending college in America. While in the United States, they not only got an education, but they also got a craving for democracy. While trying to bring some of these democratic ideas into China, the students in Tiananmen Square on June 3, 1989, were faced with tanks and other violent forms of resistance from the Chinese military. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features talks with historians and political experts, including author Ross Terrill and Columbia University professor Andrew Nathan, who discuss the continual impact of this event on China. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
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 looks at the science of forensics and how the exactness of this science can either make or break criminal cases. This episode uses the forensic information from the O.J. Simpson trial to analyze how important forensic science is to the legal system. The Simpson trial proved that forensics is most definitely not an exact science when human error enters the equation. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features an interview with Simpson attorney Peter Neufeld, who discusses his views on the state of police crime labs in this country. Also, Simpson witness and forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee talks about the steps involved in his job. Lee is followed as he goes to an actual crime scene and analyses a trail of blood. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, studies the presidency of Richard Nixon by looking at two key events from his years in office. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode first looks at what was the high point in the Nixon presidency: the historic trip to China. In 1972, President Nixon became the first American leader to visit the People's Republic of China since that nation's transformation into a communist country in 1949. Following this tremendously positive event, President Nixon's office was soon marred by the Watergate scandal, which eventually forced him to resign in 1974. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with some Nixon presidency insiders, in addition to some of the journalists and historians who covered these years in history. There is extensive CBS News footage shown, especially of some devastating Watergate reports. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores what happens when religious activists mix their faith with guns, at times leading to a deadly outcome. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode looks specifically at the cases of the Waco, TX, mass suicide of the Branch Davidians and the incident at Ruby Ridge. In both cases, heated religious tensions combined with governmental factors led to disastrous conclusions. 20th Century With Mike Wallace had interviews with officials who speak out about what could have been done differently in each case to prevent the fatal outcomes. Others talk about how the government had no other choice than to act and respond exactly as they did. There is also extensive CBS News footage of both deadly confrontations. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, delves into vigilantes and vigilantism in America. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode uses the landmark case of subway vigilante Bernard Goetz as the basis for this study. The Goetz incident was the first of its kind to not only feature vigilante behavior, but also to do so in a public, headline-grabbing case. 20th Century With Mike Wallace talks with Goetz attorney Barry Slotnick, in addition to lawyer Ron Kuby, who handled a civil suit filed by one of Goetz's victims. There is also a look at some of the subsequent vigilante cases and how the precedent set by the Goetz case affects the outcomes of these cases. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, investigates the role of gangs and the gang culture in today's society. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode gives a background history of gangs, including the street gangs of New York in the early 20th century, many of whom became involved in organized crime as a result their gang affiliations. In more recent times, gangs have evolved into violent and even deadly groups of young men and women with angry criminal tendencies. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features talks with some former gang members who discuss the role of the gang in the inner cities and how many kids consider joining a gang a safety net from the harsh real world. There is also a lesson on the basics of gang colors and signs, which are the key to gang communication with fellow members. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores the history of mass murders in the United States. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode begins with the first mass killing of its kind -- the shooting rampage of Charles Whitman. In 1966, Whitman barricaded himself in the bell tower at the University of Texas and just began shooting. At the end of his hours of fire, 31 people were dead, and hundreds injured. This incident set the precedent for all forms of mass deaths that followed. 20th Century With Mike Wallace takes a look at the more recent events of the Happyland Social Club, Luby's Cafeteria, the Long Island Railroad, and a variety of different murders at fast food restaurants or schools. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, takes a close look at the legacy of the Kennedy family and the triumphs and tragedies they have encountered through the years. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode begins with the early "Camelot" years in 1961 after John F. Kennedy became president. From that year on, the Kennedy presidency and the entire family has been marked by a continual series of heartbreaking misfortunes. From the assassinations of President Kennedy and brother Robert Kennedy to the Chappaquiddick incident that prevented Edward Kennedy's rise to the White House, the Kennedys have experienced a series of tragic events. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with historians and reporters who covered the Kennedys and also uses CBS News footage to document the highs and lows of the Kennedy family's continuing saga. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
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 looks at the history of bombings in America, from the 1950s to the latter part of the 20th century. This episode explores the case of George Metesky, who planted 33 bombs throughout New York City over a 16-year period in the 1940s and 1950s. In later years, the "Unabomber" Ted Kaczinski and Timothy McVeigh monopolized the news headlines, murdering hundreds with their vicious bombing schemes. 20th Century With Mike Wallace complements interviews with law enforcement professionals and historians with CBS News archival footage of the aftermaths of bombings, including images from the World Trade Center bombing of 1993. There is also an investigation of some of the terrorists groups responsible for bombings around the world. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores the growing instances of anger-related killings. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode looks at the increase in cases of "road rage" in the latter part of the 20th century, when people took it upon themselves to act in violent manners during traffic disputes. The rise in work place-related crimes is also examined, focusing on the cases of angry employees who were fired or upset and retaliated with violence directed toward their co-workers. 20th Century With Mike Wallace studies the post-office violence of 1986 and other various occasions of anger-induced violence through the eyes of law enforcement professionals who worked on cases where people allowed their anger to reach deadly heights. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores the history and the current state of the godfathers of the New York Mafia. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode recalls some of the former heads of New York's rings of organized crime, ending with the downfall of 20th century Mafia godfather John Gotti. 20th Century With Mike Wallace uses behind-the-scenes information from New York Times reporter Selwyn Rabb, who has studied and researched the New York crime syndicate for years. There is also an exclusive interview with prosecutor Andrew J. Maloney, the lawyer who finally succeeded in bringing down Gotti and put an end to the heyday of the New York Mafia. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores the unknown elements of the 1,000-day presidency of John F. Kennedy. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode speculates on what would have happened had a bullet not cut short the term of Kennedy. Would he have gotten U.S. troops embroiled in Vietnam for as long as they were? Would anything have been revealed about his extra-marital relations? Along with these questions, 20th Century With Mike Wallace also looks at what actually happened while Kennedy was in office. Some of the legislation he gets credit for was passed after his death. The most controversial events of his short term in office were the Bay of Pigs debacle and the tense Cuban Missile Crisis. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
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 scrutinizes the role of capital punishment in today's society. This episode examines the conditions and reasons of the United States' policies on executions for the past three decades. 20th Century With Mike Wallace showcases legal experts and historians talking about the death sentence in America and how our capital punishment system ranks us with such harsh nations as China, Iran, and Iraq. There is particular attention given to the 1972 death penalty outlawing by the Supreme Court and how that ruling put the power of executions in the hands of each state. The death penalty cases of Gary Gilmore, John Spenkelink, and Ted Bundy are also examined. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, investigates the crime of kidnapping, whether committed by strangers or by family members. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode explores some of the most famous kidnapping cases throughout history. From the notorious case of the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh's baby to later events like the highly publicized kidnappings of Patty Hearst and Polly Klass, kidnapping has always been a crime that captures national attention. 20th Century With Mike Wallace then focuses on the more common but less-publicized instances of family members kidnapping children. In cases of divorce and subsequent custody battles, many parents or family members resort to kidnapping. Law enforcement professionals are interviewed about the frequency of these family related kidnappings. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
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 takes a look at the horror and the violence of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. This episode begins with a study of the Rodney King court case that triggered the riots. After the L.A. police officers, who allegedly beat King without cause, were acquitted, fights and fires began to erupt all around the city. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with some of the witnesses to these several days of horror and talks to reporters who were covering the riots. There are also exclusive interviews with attorney Cynthia McClain Hill who talks about the King case and City Councilman Mike Hernandez who talks about the role the Hispanic community had in the riots. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
- 1996
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 life and presidency of Ronald Reagan and how his years in office spawned Republican leadership throughout the country. This episode goes back to the early days of Reagan's public life, when he was a movie actor. In California, he began to enter politics, but it was his moving speech for presidential nominee Barry Goldwater that allowed Reagan to quickly rise to political fame. After years as Governor of California, he was elected to the presidency in 1980, beginning his eight years in office. His popularity resulted in an increase in the Republican Party. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with some Reagan-era insiders, including speechwriter Peggy Noonan, analyst Kevin Phillips, and aide Mike Deaver. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide
