The 1950’s was an idealistic time in American History, filled with hope, opportunity, and wonder. It was also, “The Atomic Age” where new technology promised to both save humanity as well as put it in jeopardy. All of these factors gave birth to one of the most prolific genres in film history, 1950’s Science Fiction Cinema.
Lost Nuke
In February of 1950 the world’s largest bomber took off on a secret Cold War mission from Alaska. Inside the belly of the B-36 is a Mk.IV nuclear bomb and its 13 pound plutonium core. The route would take aircraft “075” along the BC coastline until it reached Washington State and headed inland. During the mission engine fires forced the crew of seventeen to abandon the massive bomber over the BC coast. Despite the largest search and rescue operation in Air Force history five of the crewmen, along with the bomber and its nuclear weapon are presumed lost in the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce
The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce follows the final days of Irish convict Alexander Pearce’s life as he awaits execution. The year is 1824 and the British penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land is little more than a living hell. Chained to a wall in the darkness of a cell under Hobart Gaol, Pearce is visited by Father Conolly, the parish priest of the fledgling colony and a fellow Irishman.
Kapyong
The story of the Forgotten Battle in the Forgotten War: how a small band of Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders in Korea gave up their Anzac Day barbecue to stop the Seoul-bound Chinese Army in its tracks.
The Battle of Kapyong became the turning point of China’s Fifth Offensive in the Spring of 1951. The aim of the offensive was to finally drive the foreign troops out of South Korea and into the sea. What happened instead, changed the history of the Korean War.
Just to Get a Rep
More than thirty years ago, the youth of New York’s neglected neighborhoods started a revolution by spray-painting their names on subway trains. The energy and freedom of this expression has inspired generations of youth throughout the world, yet the established authorities and institutions continually deny its merit. Working against the powers of the media, the police, and the art world, aerosol artists have developed a unique worldwide culture based on respect, camaraderie and a shared struggle to re-claim and re-create their environments.
Jesus: Countdown to Calvary
Hugh Bonneville reveals how a perfect storm of political intrigue, power struggles and clashing religious passions combined caused the event that changed the world: the killing of Jesus. Countdown to Calvary offers a revolutionary new telling of “the greatest story ever told” – the story of a wandering Jewish healer and preacher, who went from zero to hero in a single week, 2000 years ago.
The Hunt for the Mad Trapper
In the summer of 1931, a mysterious man appeared seemingly out of nowhere in the Canadian Arctic. After purchasing supplies in a local village he disappeared into the desolate landscape and spent the rest of the short summer building a cabin and preparing for winter. Six months later, local Aboriginals reported to the RCMP that they believed the mysterious Trapper was vandalizing their trap lines. Several officers were dispatched to the Trapper’s cabin to question him about the complaint. In an attempt to talk to the Trapper one officer knocked on the cabin door and was shot without warning.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a tiny peninsula famous for its big Rock – the Rock of Gibraltar. Despite being found in the south of Spain it is a British territory. Since 1704 Spain has been demanding it belongs to them. The battle between Gibraltar, Spain and Britain is centuries old; for over 300 years Spain have fought for Gibraltar while Gibraltarians have refused, choosing instead to remain with Britain. Gibraltar is the only colony that never wanted to be decolonized. In true Asterix and Obelix style, this tiny people have united to stand against a disproportionately huge power – Spain. The result is an extraordinary story of human will and determination against all odds.
Empire of Time
This is the story of China’s enduring search for oder through the mastery of time. Modern day astronomers, science historians, and time scientists draw on fascinating parallels between past and present: from modern time-keeping labs to 4,000 year old Neolithic observatories. An epic tale of science, imperial history and intrigue.