Gifted filmmaker Ken Burns, well-known for his thoroughly researched and thoughtful documentaries, is back again: this time, producing a seven-part series devoted to telling the honest, courageous stories of World War II, as seen through the eyes of those who lived through it, both here and on foreign soil. Four towns are highlighted, featuring a cross-section of America: Waterbury, CT, Sacramento, CA, Mobile, AL, and Luverne, MN.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that over 1,000 World War II veterans die every day, driving an increased sense of urgency for Burns, whose own father was among those who served. For over six years, Burns and his team labored to bring the stories in this series to life: researching, meeting, and interviewing men and women all across the country, who lived through the war and contributed to the victory. Two years were spent deep in archive material, from attics and libraries, to historical societies and footage from newspapers and film. As one producer noted, "This is the richest archival event in history.”
The series premieres on PBS on September 23; check your local listings. For a helpful viewer's guide with background information for each episode, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/thewar/
