What a fantastic story of such a devoted and hard working Christian Society here in America! Its another great work of Ken Burns, and one that should someday be duplicated when the wonderful story of the House of David religious colony makes PBS. The quality of the photos, oral history, and story-line are so well done, it leaves you feeling like you just want the movie to keep on rolling. Take a look at the similar history of the House of David, also a communal, Christian, vegetarian, celebate society which existed in Michigan, and though founded in 1903 had acquired tens of millions in holdings already by 1920. Their holdings included over 100,000 acres of farmland, hotels, restaurants, a pre-Disney type amusement park, orchestras, bands, vaudeville shows, travelling baseball teams which sported long beards and long hair, cruise ships on the Great Lakes, a diamond mine in Australia, a coal mine in Kentucky, a gold mine, citrus plantation, a 2600+ acre island in Lake Michigan, the Worlds Largest Cold Storage Facility, factories, foundaries, magnificent mansions and more. Take a look at this great history at the House of David Museum website online and learn what a great piece of history this unusual communal group really was!!Read full review
In another of Ken Burns' perceptive looks at the tapestry that makes America, this journey in time, beliefs, and lifestyle repositions a group we think we know into a provocative movement with relevance to contemporary American dilemnas. This PBS special on the "Shakers" -- a derisive name from two centuries ago that referred comically to their "dancing in the spirit" -- unveils the power of a belief system that is applied fearlessly to a way of life. In his peaceful, dulcet tones, Ken Burns takes us behind the stereotypes to see the people whose commitment to a simple lifestyle was so profound that even in the 18th century, they were seen as counter-cultural.
this was one of the coolest movies I've seen in a long time. It's amazing what these people do. God Bless them all.
I have not viewed the DVD as yet. However , I have seen it elsewhere thus the reason for purchasing my own copy.
just very interesting film
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs