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Series · 1954

Project XX

Created by Henry Salomon
Project XX poster
13 Sep 1954First aired
1Season
CanceledStatus
DocumentaryGenre

The series

Early NBC series showcasing compilation films - documentaries made from existing archival footage. Patterned on the successful Victory at Sea, it employed fast-paced editing, music, and narration. Concentrating on public affairs and public life, it steered clear of controversial subjects and enjoyed strong ratings, inspiring many competitors such as Air Power and The Twentieth Century. In later years, however, it would be criticized as superficial in comparison to "serious" documentary and current events programs.

Episodes

Season 1 · 34 episodes · 1954

  1. Episode 113 Sep 1954

    Three Two One Zero

    Explores the development of rocketry and the atomic age, tracing humanity’s journey from wartime missiles to the dawn of the space era.

  2. Episode 227 Dec 1955

    Nightmare in Red

    Covers the old Czarist order, the revolutions of 1905 and 1917 and the growth of Communism inside Russia from its early days to the mid-1950s.

  3. Episode 314 Mar 1956

    The Twisted Cross

    Examines the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, using newsreel footage and photographs to trace the roots and consequences of totalitarianism in Germany.

  4. Episode 415 Oct 1956

    The Great War: World War I

    Examines the first World War from the assassination of Franz Ferdinand to the Treaty of Versailles.

  5. Episode 56 Dec 1956

    The Jazz Age

    Examines the period between the end of World War I and the stock market crash of 1929. It is an age of Charles Lindbergh, Jazz Music, prohibition, and excess.

  6. Episode 66 Jan 1957

    Call to Freedom

    Chronicles the story of immigration to America, highlighting how millions sought freedom and opportunity from the nation’s founding through the early 20th century.

  7. Episode 721 Nov 1957

    The Innocent Years

    Examines the relatively calm and peaceful years between 1900 and 1914 looking at Teddy Roosevelt, Vaudeville, the development of movies, and the deployment of U.S. troops in Mexico.

  8. Episode 811 Feb 1959

    Meet Mr. Lincoln

    Describes the troubles the United States faced in 1860, when Abraham Lincoln was elected President, proceeding through the Civil War and Lincoln's assassination.

  9. Episode 916 Oct 1959

    Life in the Thirties

    Examines American life in the 1930s from the Depression and election of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the eve of World War II.

  10. Episode 1019 Feb 1960

    Not So Long Ago

    Examines the period between the end of World War II to the start of the Korean War describing the growth in the standard of living, Cold War suspicions in America, and Truman's shocking defeat of Dewey in the presidential election of 1948.

  11. Episode 1122 Apr 1960

    Mark Twain's America

    A look at the life of author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain in 19th century America.

  12. Episode 1229 Mar 1961

    He Has Seen War

    Looks at the experiences of ordinary American soldiers returning from World War II and the Korean War, exploring how war changed their lives and the nation’s understanding of veterans.

  13. Episode 1322 Nov 1960

    Those Ragtime Years

    Celebrates the music, dance, and cultural spirit of the early 20th century ragtime era, featuring period photos, rare film clips, and classic ragtime tunes.

  14. Episode 1421 Dec 1960

    The Coming of Christ

    Tells the story of the birth and life of Jesus Christ through Renaissance and medieval art, music, and religious imagery, exploring how the Nativity and early Christianity have been depicted across centuries.

  15. Episode 1529 Dec 1960

    Victory at Sea

    Chronicles the naval battles of World War II, highlighting the strategy, heroism, and global impact of the Allied forces at sea through dramatic archival footage.

  16. Episode 1628 Mar 1961

    The Story of Will Rogers

    Bob Hope narrates this look at the life of entertainer Will Rogers.

  17. Episode 1729 Mar 1961

    The Real West

    Gary Cooper narrates the westward migration from St Louis to CA giving details along the way, then the cattle drives from Texas to Kansas the gold and Silver Rushes, ending with the mistreatment of the Native Americans.

  18. Episode 1829 Oct 1961

    The World of Bob Hope

    Looks back at Bob Hope’s legendary career in comedy, film, and radio, highlighting his impact on American entertainment and his dedication to performing for U.S. troops around the world.

  19. Episode 1924 Nov 1961

    U.S. Grant, the Improbable Hero

    Explores the life and military career of Ulysses S. Grant, highlighting his unexpected rise from obscurity to commanding general during the American Civil War and eventual presidency.

  20. Episode 2029 Nov 1961

    The World of Billy Graham

    Profiles evangelist Billy Graham’s rise to prominence, exploring his influence on American religious life and his global crusades.

  21. Episode 2115 Jan 1962

    Lee, the Virginian

    Examines the life and military career of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, exploring his leadership during the American Civil War and his complex legacy.

  22. Episode 2218 Jan 1962

    The World of Jimmie Doolittle

    Profiles aviation pioneer and military leader Jimmie Doolittle, highlighting his innovations in flight and his daring leadership during World War II.

  23. Episode 2315 Apr 1962

    He is Risen

    Explores the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, using religious art, music, and historical context to illustrate the significance of Easter in Christian tradition.

  24. Episode 2426 Mar 1963

    The Tall American, Gary Cooper

    Highlights the life and career of actor Gary Cooper, exploring his iconic roles and lasting impact on American cinema.

  25. Episode 2520 Nov 1963

    That War in Korea

    Examines the causes, major battles, and consequences of the Korean War, highlighting the conflict’s impact on soldiers and civilians.

  26. Episode 269 Jun 1964

    The Red, White, and Blue

    Celebrates American patriotism by exploring the history and symbolism of the U.S. flag and its role in uniting the nation.

  27. Episode 2713 Jan 1967

    The Island Called Ellis

    Explores the history of Ellis Island as America’s primary immigration station, highlighting the experiences of the millions who passed through seeking a new life.

  28. Episode 2816 Mar 1967

    End of the Trail

    Explores the inhumane treatment of Native Americans by U.S. settlers and the U.S. military.

  29. Episode 2923 Apr 1967

    The Law and the Prophets

    Explores the origins and teachings of the Hebrew Bible, highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of the Law and the Prophets in Jewish tradition.

  30. Episode 3011 Dec 1968

    Down to the Sea in Ships

    Chronicles the history of American maritime commerce and whaling, highlighting the challenges and adventures of sailors on the high seas.

  31. Episode 3124 Apr 1969

    Meet George Washington

    Traces the life and legacy of George Washington, highlighting his leadership in the American Revolution and his role as the first President of the United States.

  32. Episode 3211 May 1969

    Mirror of America

    Reflects on American life and culture through historic photographs and film, capturing the nation’s changing identity across decades.

  33. Episode 337 Jan 1970

    The West of Charles Russell

    A look at artist Charles Russell and his depictions of cowboys and life in the "Wild West".

  34. Episode 3427 May 1970

    The Shining Mountains

    Explores the history and natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, highlighting the people, wildlife, and events that shaped America’s mountain frontier.

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