Biography

A profile of orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (1818-95), who campaigned against slavery, discrimination and other injustices directed against blacks. Douglass, a former slave himself, also helped run the Underground Railroad, a series of safe houses for escaped slaves.

He was a humble merchant who received revelations from the angel Gabriel. But the religion he founded is now viewed by many as an enemy of the Western world. One of the most influential figures in human history, Muhammad is a figure of inspiration and enlightenment to billions of people the world over. Yet countless others see the religion he created as a source of evil and instability. Go far beyond the headlines and into the sands of history with this thoughtful, probing portrait. Travel the lands where he is said to have walked, and hear from renowned scholars and spiritualists who illuminate the man at the heart one of the world's great faiths.

Harry S. Truman

His vision revolutionized industry, transformed life as we know it--and made him very, very rich.

Mata Hari

The tale had been kept alive for generations, but the intriguing story of Vinland seemed more legendary than true. But a landmark discovery rewrote the history of human exploration, and showed he had indeed visited North America. Five hundred years before Christopher Columbus, Leif Ericson and the Vikings sailed from Greenland to a new land sighted further west. For centuries, their story was shrouded in mystery. But a remarkable discovery by archeologist Anne Ingstad uncovered the site of the legendary Vinland a Viking settlement in Newfoundland. BIOGRAPHY journeys to the Dark Ages to tell the story of one of the greatest explorers of all time, and the extraordinary journey that made him a legend. Tour the site where Ericson set foot on the New World, and learn what is known of his life from the world's leading scholars. Set sail for history in this unique program which re-creates one of the most important journeys in human history and introduces the legendary explorer at its heart.

Leading historians and historic re-enactments bring the fabled journeys of the world's most famous adventurer to life. His epic adventures in the Far East remain among the most celebrated journeys in human history. His writings gave Europeans their first authoritative look at life in that distant land. Marco Polo will forever be remembered as one of the greatest explorers and adventurers in history. His 20-year sojourn took him to China, India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. He served in the court of the Mongol Emperor Kublai Khan and for three years governed the city of Yangzhou.

For over a year, he held a city hostage to fear. When he was finally caught, the nation was shocked to discover that the "face of terror" was a cherubic postal worker who smiled sweetly for the camera. David Berkowitz claimed the lives of six people in a killing spree that resulted in the largest manhunt in the history of New York. Once apprehended, he confessed to all the crimes and asked the judge to put him away forever so he would not kill again. In this comprehensive portrait, reporters and detectives who worked on the case, the parents of victims, a prosecutor and a former FBI profiler relive the case that galvanized a nation. Psychologists explore the many frustrations and disappointments that led Berkowitz to kill, and in a gripping interview, Berkowitz himself talks about his crimes and jailhouse transformation into the "Son of Hope." Today, he ministers to other prisoners and born-again Christians all over the world in hopes of restoring some meaning to his shattered life. From the dark streets of a shaken city to the jailhouse reformation, BIOGRAPHY examines the "Son of Sam."

“For 25 years Mao Zedong ruled one quarter of the world’s population. This is the extraordinary story of a farmer’s son who became a God in his life time but in private never shook off his peasant roots; a man who presided over one of the most radical experiments in social reform ever seen in human history but who will be remembered as one of the bloodiest dictators of the twentieth century. This program–told through the accounts of those who have met and studied him, loved and loathed him–includes archive film and pictures going back to the very earliest days of Mao’s life, as well as unique film of China at the turn of the century and during key episodes in Mao’s communist revolution. It includes harrowing and eye-witness accounts of such momentous events as the cultural revolution, the Great Leap Forward and the most severe man-made famine ever recorded.”

A biography of the life of Julia Child

From bootlegger to convict, to millionaire pornographer, to born-again Christian, to paraplegic gunshot-victim, Larry Flynt's life so far has been anything but ordinary. As the founder and publisher of Hustler Magazine Flynt broke new ground in porn publishing, offering filth and debauchery of a sort hitherto only imaginable. In his life Larry Flynt has always courted controversy, and along the way he's made himself the enemy of millions. But Larry Flynt always seems to come out on top. This comprehensive portrait follows Flynt from his dirt-poor Appalachian childhood to his surprising role as a poster-boy for First Amendment rights. Rare footage documents the defining moments in his life, from the launch of Hustler in 1974 to his landmark Supreme Court victory over Moral Majority head Jerry Falwell. In a moving interview, Flynt recalls his long and painful recovery from the assassination attempt that nearly took his life, and the tragic death of his wife. From selling moonshine to his dad to the controversial film that cemented his place in folklore, this is the controversial saga of Larry Flynt.

Born into a famous family of talented, but troubled actors, Drew Barrymore overcomes turmoil to become a Hollywood superstar.

A made-for-TV biography with an overview of Tierney's career and personal life. The highlight is perhaps an interview with her former husband, Oleg Cassini, who calls Tierney "an extraordinary genetic marvel."

'Biography' chronicles the life of one of America's most versatile and gifted actors. Clips, screen tests and outtakes from films like Masque of the Red Death, Laura, and Edward Scissorhands highlight his long career, while friends, co-stars and directors Hazel Court, Jane Russell, Dennis Hopper and Roger Corman recall working with the legendary actor. And in a rare interview, Price's daughter offers a privileged glimpse at his often-difficult private life. From purchasing a Rembrandt etching at age 12 to defining a class of distinguished screen villains, this is the story of one of Hollywood's most versatile and celebrated actors Vincent Price.

Biography on the Action Legend from 2003.

Eva Braun's own home movie footage highlights this portrait of the enigmatic woman who was Hitler's mistress and at the end his wife.

Aileen Wuornos, a poor prostitute with an abusive past, becomes one of the most notorious female serial killers in American history.

A legend in his own time, he was once simply T.E. Lawrence, a child fascinated by archaeology. He grew up to work for British Military Intelligence, and ultimately joined the Arab Revolts. But what drove Lawrence in his passionate fight for Arab independence? This profile provides remarkable insights into the man whose romantic and violent story captivated the world.

A look at the actor who parlayed his martial arts skills into a successful acting career. We visit Chuck on the set of his new TV movie, Walker, Texas Ranger, giving Chuck the opportunity to return to the Cordell Walker role he played on TV for eight years. Chuck talks about his difficult childhood, his brother's death in Vietnam, his rise to the top of the karate world and friendship with Bruce Lee, and his divorce and remarriage.

He was one of America's greatest commanders, a warrior so tough and determined that he helped win World War II with a simple promise: "I shall return." Douglas MacArthur was a soldier's soldier the son of an officer, the star of West Point, the Army's youngest-ever full general.