Benjamin Franklin (2002)

The dramatic biography of an American genius whose life spanned most of the 18th century, this three-part series follows Benjamin Franklin from his humble beginnings growing up in Boston, through his determined drive for prosperity and accomplishment as a self-made businessman, publisher and civic citizen in Philadelphia, to international superstardom as a scientist and revolutionary, a founding father and America's first diplomat.

Captivating videography

This video was ordered because of my son's school project. We didn't think that we would actually enjoy it so much. The story was told so well, and presented a character that spoke as if Benjamin and an actress that represented his wife. You really got the feeling of knowing and loving Benjamin Franklin. I can't wait to watch it again and I hope that my other son will someday have to do the same project. January 28, 2008

Near perfect account of an American Icon

This clever and entertaining look at the life and times of Benjamin Franklin would be a great addition to the library of any Franklin buff or history buff for that matter.

It is well written, and entertainingly presented with a mix of narration and live action. Richard Easton does a fantastic job portraying Franklin and the cast does well acting out actual correspondences and written first hand accounts from the time.

The film is broken down into three segments showing the life of Franklin. Let the Experiment Be Made, The Making of a Revolutionary, and The Chessmaster.

Let the experiment be made shows the early life of Franklin, how a genius was made and his contributions to science.

The Making of a Revolutionary shows how a man who once considered himself a loyalist became a fierce proponent of independence.

The Chessmaster detailed his years in France gaining support for the war, the treaty of France, and the building of the American Experiment in democracy.

Ultimately this film does a great job portraying Franklin as a man. Sometimes flawed, as we all are, but a man who contributed so many things to making America what we know today.
It does it with wit, humor, and narration that moves quick and keeps you interested. January 18, 2008

A fascinating and educational three and a half hours

This DVD is made up of a combination of historical reenactments, interviews of actors quoting the real character's words, and comments made by authors, historians, and other assorted well read people on history and the Franklin family. They are all interwoven flawlessly together.

There is so much information about Doctor Franklin, his contemporaries, and events in history, that this needs to watched several times to absorb all of it.

Doctor Franklin, who was given an honorary doctorate degree from Oxford University, had only two years of formal education. He was self taught in many areas and had many diverse interests and talents. He was a scientist, inventor, writer, business man, philanthropist, ambassador, and helped to establish and secure our country as a legitimate one Europe's eyes. He is the only person to have his signature on three of the most important documents in our history, The Declaration of Independence, the treaty with England after the Revolutionary War, and The Constitution of the United States. Finally, he was also a husband, father, and grandfather.

I could write pages on what I had learned from watching this DVD, but it would be better if you purchase it and discover the enormous contribution that this man made to this country and the world for yourself. :) September 4, 2007

Great man, great film

This film is about another founding father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin. It categorizes three parts to decipt him and I think this arrangement is pretty adequate.

The first part, Let the Experiment Be Made, is about his enthusiasm on the science and the impacts to the world. The most famous story may be the kite and the lightning. In addition, this part also talks about his early life. Some of his scientific works are scattered in the other parts of this film.

The second part, The Making of a Revolutionary, is about how he becomes a Patriot rather than sticking to a Loyalist. It is somewhat ironic since he regards himself as an Englishman rather than an American most of his life. At last, this turns out to be his darkest time since he and his son, who helped him in the kite and lightning experiment, are separated for different political beliefs.

The third part, The Chess Master, is mostly about his endeavors in France during the Revolution War. After winning the independence, he is also a key man for the peace treaty with England and France and the U.S. Constitution. It is not straightforward as we might think to reach the peace treaty with the European powers because they had their own agendas. The U.S. Constitution is also not seemed to work at that time since no one is satisfied with it due to so many compromises and fears. Overall, these make him the only one sign in the three most important documents in the early U.S. history, the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris and the U.S. Constitution.

The time is well spent after I have finished it. The narration and comments from experts are smooth and on focus. It's very pleasing to watch during the whole running time. I recommend this DVD to anyone interested in Benjamin Franklin, who deserves his fame. June 1, 2007

Good video on a great man

Benjamin Franklin was really a great man. He contributed so much to shape America in what it is now. This video gave my husband and I such an interest in Benjamin's Franklin's life that thereafter we red more about him. Finally, we decided to name our son Benjamin in honor of Benjamin Franklin.
What a Great Man!
This video is a "must see". January 18, 2007

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