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Narrator: This is
the story of america...
2
00:00:04,880 --> 00:00:07,006
Seen in color
for the first time.
3
00:00:12,212 --> 00:00:13,721
[girls laughing]
4
00:00:13,797 --> 00:00:18,058
America has always celebrated
its small towns.
5
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[horn honks]
6
00:00:19,562 --> 00:00:20,978
Commentator: Here they go!
7
00:00:21,055 --> 00:00:23,230
Narrator: They give birth
to traditions...
8
00:00:25,392 --> 00:00:26,475
Heroes...
9
00:00:26,485 --> 00:00:28,393
Jimmy stewart: Well, hello.
10
00:00:28,404 --> 00:00:29,820
Narrator: And presidents.
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00:00:32,900 --> 00:00:37,569
Main street is a symbol
of the american ideal,
12
00:00:37,580 --> 00:00:40,289
But reality doesn't always
match the myth.
13
00:00:42,585 --> 00:00:44,826
Isolation and intolerance
14
00:00:44,837 --> 00:00:47,004
Can be the downside
of small-town life.
15
00:00:50,509 --> 00:00:53,335
In the first half
of the 20th century,
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00:00:53,345 --> 00:00:55,804
Their share of the population
will plummet.
17
00:00:57,925 --> 00:00:59,850
War,
18
00:00:59,927 --> 00:01:01,676
Depression,
19
00:01:01,687 --> 00:01:03,520
And a changing culture
20
00:01:03,597 --> 00:01:05,814
Will challenge
the main street ideal.
21
00:01:08,027 --> 00:01:11,103
This is small town america
22
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As you've never seen it before.
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♪
24
00:01:18,370 --> 00:01:25,375
♪
25
00:01:30,633 --> 00:01:32,624
John kennedy: I want us
to recapture that...
26
00:01:32,635 --> 00:01:39,640
♪
27
00:01:44,146 --> 00:01:45,813
Narrator: Chandler, oklahoma.
28
00:01:48,475 --> 00:01:53,237
In 1900, 60% of americans live
in small towns like this one.
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00:01:55,324 --> 00:01:57,741
Chandler's 2,000 residents
30
00:01:57,818 --> 00:02:01,987
Have an unusual
thanksgiving tradition.
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Members of the commercial club
32
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Hurl live turkeys
from the courthouse roof.
33
00:02:11,841 --> 00:02:14,675
Catch one, and you get
to keep it for dinner.
34
00:02:15,419 --> 00:02:16,677
[turkey gobbling]
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00:02:25,429 --> 00:02:27,179
♪
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00:02:27,189 --> 00:02:30,983
Main street is chandler's
social and commercial heart.
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00:02:35,531 --> 00:02:38,440
In 1915,
the whole town crowds it
38
00:02:38,450 --> 00:02:41,359
For the 19th anniversary
of jacobs,
39
00:02:41,370 --> 00:02:43,287
The local department store.
40
00:02:46,200 --> 00:02:50,711
They're eager for a slice
of the 627-pound birthday cake.
41
00:02:53,207 --> 00:02:58,051
This rare footage is shot
by former jeweler benny kent.
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00:02:58,128 --> 00:03:03,640
Born in England in 1866,
he settled in chandler.
43
00:03:03,717 --> 00:03:06,810
After losing his wife,
he took up filmmaking.
44
00:03:09,315 --> 00:03:13,233
In chandler, cotton is king.
45
00:03:13,310 --> 00:03:15,736
It's the town's most important
source of income.
46
00:03:20,075 --> 00:03:21,816
The town is segregated,
47
00:03:21,827 --> 00:03:25,153
Though almost everyone
comes out to help...
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Even the children.
49
00:03:29,001 --> 00:03:31,243
[cheering]
50
00:03:31,253 --> 00:03:32,827
Displays of civic pride
51
00:03:32,838 --> 00:03:36,498
Are a popular subject
for early movie cameras,
52
00:03:36,508 --> 00:03:38,717
And every town has its parade.
53
00:03:42,089 --> 00:03:43,764
In 1904,
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00:03:43,840 --> 00:03:46,516
Leominster, massachusetts,
celebrates labor day.
55
00:03:49,846 --> 00:03:53,440
It only became a federal holiday
10 years earlier,
56
00:03:53,517 --> 00:03:55,183
But leominster's
12,000 residents
57
00:03:55,194 --> 00:03:57,778
Have already embraced
the tradition.
58
00:04:00,774 --> 00:04:03,775
It's a chance to show off
the town's horsepower--
59
00:04:03,786 --> 00:04:06,119
Old-fashioned and new.
60
00:04:06,196 --> 00:04:09,289
Both proudly
roll down main street,
61
00:04:09,366 --> 00:04:12,867
Alongside representatives
of local businesses,
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00:04:12,878 --> 00:04:17,455
Like papermakers,
bakers, and barbers.
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00:04:17,466 --> 00:04:21,376
They all benefit from
the increased foot traffic.
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00:04:21,387 --> 00:04:26,390
Local traditions can be a source
of both pride and profit.
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00:04:30,053 --> 00:04:37,025
♪
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Out west,
inspired by touring troupes,
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00:04:46,486 --> 00:04:49,955
Small town ranches put on
their own wild west shows.
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00:04:54,995 --> 00:04:56,911
At the miller brothers
101 ranch,
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00:04:56,922 --> 00:04:59,673
Just outside
new ponca, oklahoma,
70
00:04:59,750 --> 00:05:02,426
Cowboys who learned
to lasso on the range
71
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Become showmen.
72
00:05:09,009 --> 00:05:14,104
In 1905, the ranch stages
the oklahoma gala day,
73
00:05:14,181 --> 00:05:16,940
Featuring 200 performers.
74
00:05:17,017 --> 00:05:20,193
It begins with a grand parade
75
00:05:20,270 --> 00:05:24,197
And draws 65,000 locals,
tourists, and journalists
76
00:05:24,274 --> 00:05:25,824
From across the nation.
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00:05:28,287 --> 00:05:31,580
It's a huge success
and becomes an annual event.
78
00:05:34,793 --> 00:05:38,545
But it's not all about
the cow-boys.
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00:05:38,622 --> 00:05:42,457
Lucille mulhall is one of
the show's founding performers.
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[horse neighs]
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00:05:45,629 --> 00:05:49,547
The riding and roping skills
she learned on the family spread
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00:05:49,558 --> 00:05:51,475
Make her the first
female rodeo rider
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00:05:51,551 --> 00:05:53,769
To come to national fame.
84
00:05:56,815 --> 00:06:01,309
But another sooner state native
with star-quality roping skills
85
00:06:01,320 --> 00:06:05,563
Will spread small-town values
around the world.
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00:06:05,574 --> 00:06:09,493
His name is will rogers.
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00:06:09,569 --> 00:06:11,328
Will's ability
to jump through hoops
88
00:06:11,405 --> 00:06:13,738
And tie knots with his lasso
89
00:06:13,749 --> 00:06:15,657
Take him to new york,
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00:06:15,667 --> 00:06:19,503
Where he performs
on the vaudeville stage.
91
00:06:19,579 --> 00:06:22,747
But it's his folksy charm
that really catches on,
92
00:06:22,758 --> 00:06:25,333
In newspapers and on the radio.
93
00:06:25,344 --> 00:06:27,427
He opens his act with a setup--
94
00:06:27,504 --> 00:06:30,338
"all I know is
what I read in the papers"--
95
00:06:30,349 --> 00:06:32,257
And then riffs on the headlines.
96
00:06:32,267 --> 00:06:33,850
Will rogers: And the thing
about my jokes is
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They don't hurt anybody.
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00:06:35,771 --> 00:06:37,771
You can take 'em or leave 'em.
You know what I mean.
99
00:06:37,848 --> 00:06:39,431
But with congress,
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00:06:39,441 --> 00:06:41,441
Every time they make
a joke, it's a law.
101
00:06:41,518 --> 00:06:43,518
And every time they make
a law, it's a joke.
102
00:06:43,529 --> 00:06:45,687
[applause]
103
00:06:45,697 --> 00:06:48,115
Narrator: Audiences warm
to his homespun humor,
104
00:06:48,191 --> 00:06:52,193
And he becomes one of america's
most loved personalities.
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00:06:52,204 --> 00:06:53,778
However, not all small towns
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00:06:53,789 --> 00:06:56,706
Share the same
happy-go-lucky spirit.
107
00:07:00,370 --> 00:07:03,797
In the south, segregation
deprives black citizens
108
00:07:03,874 --> 00:07:06,883
Of education and skills.
109
00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:10,387
In 1881, black educator
booker t. Washington
110
00:07:10,464 --> 00:07:12,347
Seeks to change that.
111
00:07:14,634 --> 00:07:17,135
He establishes
the tuskegee institute
112
00:07:17,146 --> 00:07:18,437
In alabama.
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00:07:21,057 --> 00:07:26,311
By 1906, the institute
has nearly 1,600 students--
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00:07:26,321 --> 00:07:28,738
More than half
the town's population.
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00:07:31,577 --> 00:07:33,577
It's one of
the first black colleges
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00:07:33,653 --> 00:07:37,998
Formed to educate
the descendants of slaves.
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00:07:38,074 --> 00:07:41,159
Here the students learn nursing,
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00:07:41,170 --> 00:07:42,494
Surveying,
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00:07:42,504 --> 00:07:44,129
And agriculture.
120
00:07:46,082 --> 00:07:49,417
The college's mission is to
give them the practical skills
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To become self-reliant.
122
00:07:52,681 --> 00:07:57,267
In time, tuskegee will evolve to
embrace more radical concepts
123
00:07:57,344 --> 00:08:00,770
And produce civil rights leaders
like amelia robinson
124
00:08:00,847 --> 00:08:03,815
And betty shabazz,
wife of malcom x.
125
00:08:11,533 --> 00:08:15,193
Many small towns depend
on a single industry,
126
00:08:15,204 --> 00:08:17,871
Leaving them vulnerable
when disaster strikes.
127
00:08:21,201 --> 00:08:23,793
In remote dawson, new mexico,
128
00:08:23,870 --> 00:08:27,797
9,000 people rely almost
entirely on the local coal mines
129
00:08:27,874 --> 00:08:31,376
For income.
130
00:08:31,386 --> 00:08:33,795
On October 22, 1913...
131
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[explosion]
132
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A blast rocks mine number 2.
133
00:08:39,895 --> 00:08:43,638
The explosion traps 284 men,
134
00:08:43,649 --> 00:08:48,568
Some of them
more than 2,000 feet down.
135
00:08:48,645 --> 00:08:52,322
Help comes from as far away
as wyoming, kansas,
136
00:08:52,399 --> 00:08:54,032
And pittsburgh, pennsylvania.
137
00:08:56,653 --> 00:09:00,205
Rescuers put on gas masks
as they descend into the mine.
138
00:09:06,663 --> 00:09:10,423
Even so, two of them
die of suffocation
139
00:09:10,500 --> 00:09:13,093
In a search
that lasts four days.
140
00:09:23,096 --> 00:09:27,515
23 miners survive,
but 261 perish
141
00:09:27,526 --> 00:09:30,569
In america's
second worst mining disaster.
142
00:09:37,110 --> 00:09:40,161
The disaster devastates
the small town of dawson.
143
00:09:44,876 --> 00:09:49,796
By 1950, declining demand
sees the mines close for good,
144
00:09:49,873 --> 00:09:52,507
And the town
is finally abandoned.
145
00:09:54,044 --> 00:09:56,428
Only the graves remain.
146
00:10:01,643 --> 00:10:04,135
In the early part
of the 20th century,
147
00:10:04,146 --> 00:10:06,471
Small towns across the nation
148
00:10:06,481 --> 00:10:08,732
Will experience
losses of their own.
149
00:10:11,478 --> 00:10:13,737
In April 1917,
150
00:10:13,813 --> 00:10:16,865
President woodrow wilson
declares war on germany.
151
00:10:19,736 --> 00:10:22,746
Small towns
bravely answer the call.
152
00:10:25,075 --> 00:10:27,158
Back in chandler, oklahoma,
153
00:10:27,169 --> 00:10:31,245
Local filmmaker benny kent
documents major h.B. Gilstrap
154
00:10:31,256 --> 00:10:33,414
Recruiting
the young men of the town
155
00:10:33,425 --> 00:10:35,967
Into the 142nd regiment.
156
00:10:40,423 --> 00:10:43,091
Drafted soldiers
pose for the camera,
157
00:10:43,101 --> 00:10:45,810
Sharing a final moment
with their loved ones.
158
00:10:50,359 --> 00:10:53,443
Across the country,
a generation of young men
159
00:10:53,520 --> 00:10:56,363
Will leave their home towns
for the first time
160
00:10:56,439 --> 00:10:59,857
For the blood-soaked
western front in europe.
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00:10:59,868 --> 00:11:02,369
Many will never return.
162
00:11:04,706 --> 00:11:06,030
[explosion]
163
00:11:06,041 --> 00:11:07,949
In 18 months,
164
00:11:07,959 --> 00:11:11,285
More than 50,000 american
soldiers are killed in action.
165
00:11:11,296 --> 00:11:14,964
The small town of chandler
loses seven of its own.
166
00:11:17,377 --> 00:11:20,461
Those that survive
the global war
167
00:11:20,472 --> 00:11:23,932
Return to a country ready
to focus on life at home.
168
00:11:31,400 --> 00:11:34,651
In 1920,
senator warren g. Harding
169
00:11:34,728 --> 00:11:38,988
Becomes the republican
presidential nominee.
170
00:11:39,065 --> 00:11:42,575
Aware of the great sacrifice
small-town families have made,
171
00:11:42,652 --> 00:11:45,328
He focuses his message on them,
172
00:11:45,405 --> 00:11:49,541
Calling for a return to normalcy
and "america first."
173
00:11:52,579 --> 00:11:54,587
He conducts
his presidential campaign
174
00:11:54,664 --> 00:11:56,330
From the front porch
of his house
175
00:11:56,341 --> 00:11:58,591
In small town marion, ohio.
176
00:12:13,349 --> 00:12:17,277
Narrator: 600,000 people
travel from across the nation
177
00:12:17,353 --> 00:12:20,864
To hear harding speak
from his front porch.
178
00:12:20,940 --> 00:12:22,523
Many presidential candidates
179
00:12:22,534 --> 00:12:24,942
Have made the most
of their humble roots,
180
00:12:24,953 --> 00:12:27,287
But harding really strikes
a chord with the voters.
181
00:12:27,363 --> 00:12:29,330
[applause]
182
00:12:32,786 --> 00:12:38,206
On November 2, 1920,
he wins by a landslide.
183
00:12:38,216 --> 00:12:42,627
He beats democrat james cox
by seven million votes--
184
00:12:42,637 --> 00:12:45,296
A 26% margin.
185
00:12:45,307 --> 00:12:48,016
It's a record that
still stands to this day.
186
00:12:49,803 --> 00:12:51,394
In the coming decade,
187
00:12:51,471 --> 00:12:53,471
A huge road-building project
188
00:12:53,482 --> 00:12:56,307
Connects small towns
with the rest of the nation,
189
00:12:56,318 --> 00:13:00,069
And they will have to adapt
to a fast-changing world.
190
00:13:01,990 --> 00:13:03,815
In the 1920s,
191
00:13:03,825 --> 00:13:06,326
The logging town
of aberdeen, washington,
192
00:13:06,402 --> 00:13:08,912
Grows to almost 20,000 people.
193
00:13:10,999 --> 00:13:14,918
The small town calls itself
the lumber capital of the world,
194
00:13:14,994 --> 00:13:17,462
And the industry
shapes the town's culture.
195
00:13:20,416 --> 00:13:23,334
Here, lumberjacks
take each other on
196
00:13:23,345 --> 00:13:26,262
In log rolling competitions.
197
00:13:26,339 --> 00:13:27,839
They spin the logs over,
198
00:13:27,849 --> 00:13:30,099
Attempting to throw
their opponent off.
199
00:13:36,266 --> 00:13:37,932
In a twist,
200
00:13:37,943 --> 00:13:41,435
One man shows off his skills
and fashion sense
201
00:13:41,446 --> 00:13:43,446
By rolling in a dress.
202
00:13:43,523 --> 00:13:50,495
♪
203
00:13:51,206 --> 00:13:55,950
28 miles away,
on October 7, 1930,
204
00:13:55,961 --> 00:13:59,287
Cars line up in the tiny
community of willapa
205
00:13:59,297 --> 00:14:01,631
For the opening of
the aberdeen-willapa highway.
206
00:14:05,387 --> 00:14:08,638
Across america,
a huge new road-building project
207
00:14:08,715 --> 00:14:11,724
Is connecting
small towns to each other
208
00:14:11,801 --> 00:14:13,852
And the rest of the nation.
209
00:14:18,141 --> 00:14:19,983
A local photographer
210
00:14:20,059 --> 00:14:25,479
Documents the changing face
of aberdeen and the vicinity.
211
00:14:25,490 --> 00:14:29,075
His name is charles d. Anderson.
212
00:14:29,152 --> 00:14:31,402
He's caught on film only once,
213
00:14:31,413 --> 00:14:34,330
A fleeting shadow
on the football field
214
00:14:34,407 --> 00:14:36,666
Cranking
his trusty movie camera.
215
00:14:39,662 --> 00:14:42,663
Football is
a relatively new sport,
216
00:14:42,674 --> 00:14:46,751
But already it's a big part
of the town's identity.
217
00:14:46,761 --> 00:14:49,262
On thanksgiving 1927,
218
00:14:49,339 --> 00:14:52,340
The aberdeen high bobcats
host the grizzlies,
219
00:14:52,350 --> 00:14:54,592
Long-time rivals
from another logging town--
220
00:14:54,603 --> 00:14:56,352
Hoquiam.
221
00:14:59,357 --> 00:15:00,857
[whistle blows]
222
00:15:00,934 --> 00:15:04,435
Their turkey day game
dates back 21 years,
223
00:15:04,446 --> 00:15:07,447
The oldest such annual rivalry
in the state.
224
00:15:11,369 --> 00:15:13,277
A competitive spirit
has developed
225
00:15:13,288 --> 00:15:15,455
Between the close neighbors,
226
00:15:15,531 --> 00:15:17,698
And the football field
has become the battleground
227
00:15:17,709 --> 00:15:19,626
For their friendly rivalry.
228
00:15:24,049 --> 00:15:26,883
Aberdeen wins 43 to 6
229
00:15:26,960 --> 00:15:29,719
To take bragging rights
for another year.
230
00:15:34,050 --> 00:15:38,561
High school football binds
small towns like these together,
231
00:15:38,638 --> 00:15:41,305
But young people are
increasingly being lured away
232
00:15:41,316 --> 00:15:43,066
To the cities.
233
00:15:43,142 --> 00:15:45,476
As they seek a future elsewhere,
234
00:15:45,487 --> 00:15:50,490
They leave some small-town
traditions under threat.
235
00:15:50,566 --> 00:15:54,410
♪
236
00:15:54,487 --> 00:15:56,245
The appalachian mountains
237
00:15:56,322 --> 00:16:01,000
Are home to the descendants
of scots-irish colonists.
238
00:16:01,077 --> 00:16:04,328
Isolated small towns are spread
throughout the range.
239
00:16:04,339 --> 00:16:06,580
♪
240
00:16:06,591 --> 00:16:08,499
For mountain folk,
241
00:16:08,510 --> 00:16:11,344
The banjo and fiddle-led
songs and dances
242
00:16:11,421 --> 00:16:14,672
Are their storytelling,
history, and entertainment
243
00:16:14,683 --> 00:16:17,934
Rolled into one.
244
00:16:18,011 --> 00:16:20,103
They have been passed down
by word of mouth
245
00:16:20,179 --> 00:16:23,606
For more than a century.
246
00:16:23,683 --> 00:16:27,435
By the '20s,
city styles are more popular,
247
00:16:27,445 --> 00:16:30,279
And the radio is bringing
new music to the mountains.
248
00:16:30,356 --> 00:16:33,116
This old-time folk music
is in danger of disappearing.
249
00:16:33,192 --> 00:16:37,328
♪
250
00:16:40,199 --> 00:16:41,699
Bascom lunsford:
How 'bout the thumb string?
251
00:16:41,710 --> 00:16:43,292
[plucking banjo]
252
00:16:43,369 --> 00:16:44,377
Sounds pretty good.
253
00:16:44,454 --> 00:16:51,426
♪
254
00:16:54,389 --> 00:16:58,299
Narrator: Bascom lunsford from
mars hill, north carolina,
255
00:16:58,309 --> 00:17:02,311
Was born into appalachian
folk music culture.
256
00:17:02,388 --> 00:17:06,974
He's one of its
most passionate supporters.
257
00:17:06,985 --> 00:17:10,987
[singing]
258
00:17:11,064 --> 00:17:12,238
Narrator:
He makes it his mission
259
00:17:12,315 --> 00:17:14,657
To preserve the songs and dances
260
00:17:14,734 --> 00:17:16,909
So they will not die out
with the older generation.
261
00:17:16,986 --> 00:17:18,411
Lunsford:
♪ breaking up the ground ♪
262
00:17:18,488 --> 00:17:20,329
♪ and I'm gonna pitch a camp ♪
263
00:17:20,406 --> 00:17:22,490
♪ I'm getting something started
in the doggett gap ♪
264
00:17:22,500 --> 00:17:25,576
Narrator: In 1928,
he brings small-town performers
265
00:17:25,587 --> 00:17:29,246
To the rhododendron parade in
the biggest town in the state...
266
00:17:29,257 --> 00:17:30,673
Asheville.
267
00:17:30,750 --> 00:17:35,344
♪
268
00:17:35,421 --> 00:17:40,091
There he stages the first-ever
folk music festival.
269
00:17:40,101 --> 00:17:42,009
By 1935,
270
00:17:42,020 --> 00:17:44,687
10,000 people
come to watch performances
271
00:17:44,764 --> 00:17:48,274
Of square dancing and folk music
led by callers.
272
00:17:48,351 --> 00:17:51,444
[calling]
273
00:17:51,521 --> 00:17:53,354
Lunsford has brought
his beloved music
274
00:17:53,364 --> 00:17:54,939
To the mainstream
275
00:17:54,949 --> 00:17:58,275
And a bigger audience.
276
00:17:58,286 --> 00:18:02,038
Songwriters like
woody guthrie and bob dylan
277
00:18:02,115 --> 00:18:06,250
Will update and spread this vein
of americana across the world.
278
00:18:07,120 --> 00:18:09,295
[horn honking]
279
00:18:09,372 --> 00:18:10,630
By 1930,
280
00:18:10,706 --> 00:18:14,300
56% of americans
live in urban areas
281
00:18:14,377 --> 00:18:17,461
Of more than 2,500 people.
282
00:18:17,472 --> 00:18:19,296
For many city dwellers
283
00:18:19,307 --> 00:18:22,058
There's a sense that they've
left something behind.
284
00:18:29,142 --> 00:18:32,235
In places like
pinehurst, north carolina,
285
00:18:32,311 --> 00:18:34,487
City vacationers
can enjoy a taste
286
00:18:34,564 --> 00:18:36,697
Of small-town perfection.
287
00:18:38,576 --> 00:18:40,901
Golf is the main pastime,
288
00:18:40,912 --> 00:18:43,830
But there are other
more rustic pursuits.
289
00:18:45,658 --> 00:18:49,243
Society ladies
try out pig racing.
290
00:18:49,254 --> 00:18:50,995
The challenge
is to herd their pig
291
00:18:51,005 --> 00:18:52,630
In the right direction.
292
00:18:54,843 --> 00:18:58,419
Here the tourists
can retreat from city life
293
00:18:58,429 --> 00:19:00,721
In a picturesque
village setting.
294
00:19:04,510 --> 00:19:08,512
The reality of small-town life
can be brutal.
295
00:19:08,523 --> 00:19:12,024
All over the country,
there are "sundown towns,"
296
00:19:12,101 --> 00:19:13,192
Where white residents
297
00:19:13,269 --> 00:19:14,694
Make it clear to black people
298
00:19:14,770 --> 00:19:16,103
That they had better
299
00:19:16,114 --> 00:19:18,447
Be gone by dark...
300
00:19:18,524 --> 00:19:20,324
Or there will be violence.
301
00:19:23,538 --> 00:19:25,779
By the 1930s,
the great migration
302
00:19:25,790 --> 00:19:28,449
Has carried a million
and a half southern blacks
303
00:19:28,459 --> 00:19:30,376
To northern cities.
304
00:19:32,622 --> 00:19:34,547
[train whistle blows]
305
00:19:34,624 --> 00:19:36,457
A growing black middle class
306
00:19:36,467 --> 00:19:38,801
Also wants to escape
from the city.
307
00:19:42,798 --> 00:19:44,632
Segregation means
they would be banned
308
00:19:44,642 --> 00:19:47,018
From resorts like pinehurst.
309
00:19:49,472 --> 00:19:51,814
But now they have
somewhere new to go.
310
00:19:56,070 --> 00:19:59,405
Developers establish the town
of idlewild, michigan,
311
00:19:59,482 --> 00:20:01,240
For african americans.
312
00:20:07,240 --> 00:20:08,623
It has horseback riding...
313
00:20:11,827 --> 00:20:13,544
Boating...
314
00:20:15,331 --> 00:20:16,881
And hiking.
315
00:20:20,595 --> 00:20:23,587
[applause]
316
00:20:23,598 --> 00:20:26,173
The town holds
its own beauty pageant.
317
00:20:26,184 --> 00:20:33,189
♪
318
00:20:35,851 --> 00:20:41,781
Maree weaver of ironton, ohio,
wins miss idlewild 1927.
319
00:20:44,360 --> 00:20:47,036
For a month or so in the summer,
320
00:20:47,113 --> 00:20:50,581
Black city dwellers
can enjoy the simple life.
321
00:20:52,710 --> 00:20:55,953
Vacation towns offer
an idealized version
322
00:20:55,964 --> 00:20:58,297
Of small-town living.
323
00:20:58,374 --> 00:21:01,375
The simplicity is charming
for a couple of weeks,
324
00:21:01,386 --> 00:21:04,220
But the long-term reality
of many small towns
325
00:21:04,297 --> 00:21:06,380
Is often one of deprivation.
326
00:21:06,391 --> 00:21:10,384
Only 10% of rural towns
have electricity.
327
00:21:10,395 --> 00:21:12,853
Many still light with kerosene.
328
00:21:16,892 --> 00:21:20,987
In 1917, as the country
enters the first world war,
329
00:21:21,063 --> 00:21:22,405
The federal government
330
00:21:22,481 --> 00:21:24,648
Commissions
a huge hydroelectric dam
331
00:21:24,659 --> 00:21:26,242
To harness the tennessee river
332
00:21:26,319 --> 00:21:29,662
And power newly created
munitions factories.
333
00:21:35,828 --> 00:21:38,921
18,000 workers answer the call.
334
00:21:38,998 --> 00:21:46,170
♪
335
00:21:46,180 --> 00:21:48,589
To house them,
the government builds a town
336
00:21:48,599 --> 00:21:52,176
In the farmland
of muscle shoals.
337
00:21:52,186 --> 00:21:54,353
They create a new school,
338
00:21:54,430 --> 00:21:57,189
And a bustling neighborhood
springs up.
339
00:22:00,603 --> 00:22:02,278
But the war is over
340
00:22:02,355 --> 00:22:06,824
Long before the dam is ready
for operation in 1924.
341
00:22:09,278 --> 00:22:11,120
While government
and private utilities
342
00:22:11,197 --> 00:22:13,697
Argue over who will control it,
343
00:22:13,708 --> 00:22:16,751
The dam and its turbines
sit idle.
344
00:22:21,132 --> 00:22:22,873
Muscle shoals,
345
00:22:22,884 --> 00:22:25,885
A town founded
to house power plant workers,
346
00:22:25,961 --> 00:22:29,305
Has neither power nor work.
347
00:22:29,382 --> 00:22:32,850
Its population shrinks
to 719 people.
348
00:22:34,145 --> 00:22:36,387
[cheering]
349
00:22:36,397 --> 00:22:38,389
In 1933,
350
00:22:38,399 --> 00:22:41,734
President franklin roosevelt
responds to their plight.
351
00:22:41,811 --> 00:22:43,811
The whole town
turns out to greet him.
352
00:22:43,821 --> 00:22:45,488
Franklin roosevelt:
I'm looking forward
353
00:22:45,564 --> 00:22:47,981
With the greatest of pleasure
to my day here,
354
00:22:47,992 --> 00:22:51,318
And it is going to give me
a great advantage
355
00:22:51,329 --> 00:22:54,071
In putting muscle shoals
back on the map.
356
00:22:54,082 --> 00:22:55,790
[cheering]
357
00:22:59,087 --> 00:23:03,163
Narrator: The president's
new deal takes over the dam.
358
00:23:03,174 --> 00:23:05,174
The tennessee valley authority
359
00:23:05,251 --> 00:23:07,343
Brings electricity
to muscle shoals
360
00:23:07,420 --> 00:23:10,429
And other small towns
across seven states.
361
00:23:15,436 --> 00:23:17,103
In the 1930s,
362
00:23:17,179 --> 00:23:20,514
Small-town culture
and heroes like will rogers
363
00:23:20,525 --> 00:23:22,817
Will capture
the nation's attention.
364
00:23:26,364 --> 00:23:29,523
May 20, 1929,
365
00:23:29,534 --> 00:23:34,453
The busiest time of year
for angels camp, california...
366
00:23:34,530 --> 00:23:38,457
Also known as frogtown.
367
00:23:38,534 --> 00:23:41,627
More than 60 years earlier,
mark twain set his story
368
00:23:41,704 --> 00:23:47,299
"the celebrated jumping frog
of calaveras county" here.
369
00:23:47,376 --> 00:23:52,629
So the townsfolk have decided
to turn fiction into fact.
370
00:23:52,640 --> 00:23:57,560
This is the second annual
frog jumping jubilee.
371
00:23:57,636 --> 00:24:00,471
Frog jockeys attempt
to coax their frog
372
00:24:00,481 --> 00:24:03,474
Into the longest leap.
373
00:24:03,484 --> 00:24:06,152
In twain's story,
the winner cheats,
374
00:24:06,228 --> 00:24:09,480
But this competition
is on the level.
375
00:24:09,490 --> 00:24:11,782
The contest continues
to this day.
376
00:24:13,402 --> 00:24:15,152
[cheering]
377
00:24:15,163 --> 00:24:19,415
Other small-town claims to fame
are more widespread.
378
00:24:19,492 --> 00:24:22,084
In 1934, soap box racing
379
00:24:22,161 --> 00:24:24,336
Takes the borough of
wilkinsburg, pennsylvania,
380
00:24:24,413 --> 00:24:25,963
By storm.
381
00:24:27,425 --> 00:24:33,003
Teenage boys race
home-made wooden cars downhill.
382
00:24:33,014 --> 00:24:35,672
Their engineless carts
pick up speed
383
00:24:35,683 --> 00:24:37,516
And hurtle toward
the finish line.
384
00:24:37,593 --> 00:24:41,512
Narrowly avoiding a crash,
the red cart of brad west
385
00:24:41,522 --> 00:24:43,731
Wins the race in under a minute.
386
00:24:47,028 --> 00:24:50,521
Americans go wild
for soap box racing,
387
00:24:50,531 --> 00:24:56,118
And in 1936, akron, ohio,
hosts 100,000 fans
388
00:24:56,195 --> 00:25:00,447
For the finals
of the national soap box derby.
389
00:25:00,458 --> 00:25:04,627
A 1,175-foot-long track
has been built,
390
00:25:04,703 --> 00:25:07,838
Along with a grandstand
and a press enclosure.
391
00:25:09,875 --> 00:25:13,552
Top nbc announcers
graham mcnamee and tom manning
392
00:25:13,629 --> 00:25:15,888
Are there
to broadcast the event.
393
00:25:15,965 --> 00:25:17,130
Commentator: Here they go!
394
00:25:17,141 --> 00:25:20,976
[cheering]
395
00:25:21,053 --> 00:25:23,229
Look at those cars travel!
396
00:25:24,732 --> 00:25:26,473
Narrator:
An impromptu small-town event
397
00:25:26,484 --> 00:25:28,984
That started with 19 boys
398
00:25:29,061 --> 00:25:34,147
Has grown to host 115 racers
from across the globe.
399
00:25:34,158 --> 00:25:37,317
[cheering]
400
00:25:37,328 --> 00:25:39,069
The country listens
401
00:25:39,080 --> 00:25:42,331
As 14-year-old herbert muench
from st. Louis
402
00:25:42,408 --> 00:25:45,576
Beats harold hansen
to win the title.
403
00:25:45,586 --> 00:25:46,994
Commentator: Here's the finish!
404
00:25:47,004 --> 00:25:48,161
What a race!
405
00:25:48,172 --> 00:25:52,341
[cheering]
406
00:25:52,418 --> 00:25:55,761
Narrator: Herbert wins
a $2,000 college scholarship
407
00:25:55,838 --> 00:26:01,341
And is crowned the all-american
soap box derby champ.
408
00:26:01,352 --> 00:26:05,345
Another slice of small-time
small-town americana
409
00:26:05,356 --> 00:26:08,274
Also goes national.
410
00:26:08,350 --> 00:26:10,100
The appalachian
music and square dancing
411
00:26:10,111 --> 00:26:13,195
That bascom lunsford
worked to revive
412
00:26:13,272 --> 00:26:14,521
Is all the rage.
413
00:26:14,532 --> 00:26:18,367
[calling]
414
00:26:18,444 --> 00:26:22,529
In arthurdale, west virginia,
first lady eleanor roosevelt
415
00:26:22,540 --> 00:26:26,116
Do-si-does to the tune of
harry rich and his family band.
416
00:26:26,127 --> 00:26:32,548
♪
417
00:26:32,625 --> 00:26:34,216
Singer: ♪ pick 'em up
and lay them down... ♪
418
00:26:34,293 --> 00:26:35,792
Narrator: In new york city,
419
00:26:35,803 --> 00:26:38,462
The square dancing
revival hits its peak
420
00:26:38,472 --> 00:26:41,557
As 10,000 dancers
descend on central park.
421
00:26:41,634 --> 00:26:44,727
Caller:
♪ swing your corner lady ♪
422
00:26:44,803 --> 00:26:46,395
Narrator:
Legendary caller ed durlacher
423
00:26:46,472 --> 00:26:48,388
Leads the dancers
into the night.
424
00:26:48,399 --> 00:26:52,067
♪ promenade your partner
once around the town ♪
425
00:26:52,144 --> 00:26:54,311
♪
426
00:26:54,322 --> 00:26:57,740
Narrator: Small towns
have hit the big time.
427
00:26:57,816 --> 00:27:01,568
By the '30s, will rogers has
become america's biggest star,
428
00:27:01,579 --> 00:27:03,996
And his jokes
have become catchphrases.
429
00:27:09,670 --> 00:27:11,420
Narrator: Despite his fame,
430
00:27:11,497 --> 00:27:14,882
Rogers maintains
his folksy, everyman appeal.
431
00:27:17,503 --> 00:27:19,503
In 1931,
432
00:27:19,513 --> 00:27:21,505
Two years into the depression,
433
00:27:21,515 --> 00:27:24,841
With its record unemployment,
soup kitchens, and bread lines,
434
00:27:24,852 --> 00:27:26,935
Rogers speaks his mind.
435
00:27:27,012 --> 00:27:31,190
Rogers: The only problem that
confronts this country today
436
00:27:31,266 --> 00:27:34,610
Is that at least seven million
people are out of work.
437
00:27:34,687 --> 00:27:36,195
That's our only problem.
438
00:27:36,271 --> 00:27:39,106
[applause]
439
00:27:39,116 --> 00:27:40,857
Narrator: In 1932,
440
00:27:40,868 --> 00:27:43,619
Franklin roosevelt,
seeking the presidency,
441
00:27:43,696 --> 00:27:46,372
Invites rogers to introduce him
at a huge rally
442
00:27:46,448 --> 00:27:50,542
At the hollywood bowl
in los angeles.
443
00:27:50,619 --> 00:27:52,035
Rogers: We must have
444
00:27:52,046 --> 00:27:54,287
Some 80 or 90,000 people
here tonight.
445
00:27:54,298 --> 00:27:57,457
That's the most people that
ever paid to see a politician.
446
00:27:57,468 --> 00:28:00,961
[laughing and cheering]
447
00:28:00,971 --> 00:28:03,055
Narrator: Rogers' endorsement
448
00:28:03,132 --> 00:28:07,309
Helps fdr win over an electorate
facing the hardest of times.
449
00:28:07,386 --> 00:28:10,729
[applause]
450
00:28:14,485 --> 00:28:17,069
But will rogers'
time in the spotlight
451
00:28:17,146 --> 00:28:18,654
Won't last much longer.
452
00:28:22,484 --> 00:28:24,651
In August 1935,
453
00:28:24,662 --> 00:28:26,578
He boards a plane
built by his friend,
454
00:28:26,655 --> 00:28:28,997
The pilot wiley post.
455
00:28:32,244 --> 00:28:33,961
They're heading for alaska.
456
00:28:37,082 --> 00:28:38,415
On August 15th,
457
00:28:38,426 --> 00:28:41,593
15 miles southwest
of point barrow,
458
00:28:41,670 --> 00:28:42,886
The plane's engine fails.
459
00:28:46,425 --> 00:28:48,642
Both men plummet
to their deaths.
460
00:28:53,265 --> 00:28:56,692
A nation mourns
its beloved small-town hero.
461
00:29:00,189 --> 00:29:04,032
In los angeles,
50,000 people pay their respects
462
00:29:04,109 --> 00:29:07,027
In the biggest outpouring
of national grief
463
00:29:07,037 --> 00:29:09,663
Since the assassination
of abraham lincoln.
464
00:29:14,795 --> 00:29:21,383
♪
465
00:29:21,460 --> 00:29:25,220
While a small-town hero
did conquer the mainstream,
466
00:29:25,297 --> 00:29:27,765
Other places
remain on the fringes.
467
00:29:29,393 --> 00:29:32,385
Roswell, new mexico,
is a rodeo town
468
00:29:32,396 --> 00:29:34,938
200 miles away
from the nearest city.
469
00:29:37,726 --> 00:29:42,312
By 1930, good land
and the discovery of an aquifer
470
00:29:42,323 --> 00:29:44,740
Have brought 11,000 people
to live here.
471
00:29:47,912 --> 00:29:49,995
Most are here for the ranching.
472
00:29:51,907 --> 00:29:56,585
But one man, dr. Robert goddard,
has come for the isolation.
473
00:30:01,509 --> 00:30:06,428
His goal is to create
self-propelled rockets.
474
00:30:06,505 --> 00:30:10,257
The scientific community
considers him a fantasist.
475
00:30:10,267 --> 00:30:13,519
Newspapers dub him
"the moon man."
476
00:30:13,595 --> 00:30:15,679
In this secluded location,
477
00:30:15,689 --> 00:30:18,348
Goddard can carry out
his secret experiments
478
00:30:18,359 --> 00:30:21,944
Away from the eyes of skeptics.
479
00:30:22,020 --> 00:30:24,613
His wife esther
records his work.
480
00:30:29,370 --> 00:30:31,203
In 1939,
481
00:30:31,280 --> 00:30:36,625
Goddard begins his final series
of experiments in roswell.
482
00:30:36,702 --> 00:30:38,293
He hopes to produce the first
483
00:30:38,370 --> 00:30:41,713
Liquid-propelled
high-altitude guided rockets.
484
00:30:44,385 --> 00:30:47,052
He doesn't get
the results he wants,
485
00:30:47,129 --> 00:30:48,804
But the military
are beginning to realize
486
00:30:48,881 --> 00:30:52,716
That goddard's visionary
theories could be valuable.
487
00:30:52,726 --> 00:30:54,351
[explosion]
488
00:30:55,971 --> 00:31:00,482
He will become known as
the father of american rocketry.
489
00:31:00,559 --> 00:31:03,727
In 1941, the navy hires him.
490
00:31:03,737 --> 00:31:05,979
War is coming,
491
00:31:05,990 --> 00:31:09,283
And a small-town hero
will rally the troops.
492
00:31:12,905 --> 00:31:17,157
America goes to war
in late 1941.
493
00:31:17,167 --> 00:31:21,077
Small-town heroes
rally the nation...
494
00:31:21,088 --> 00:31:24,464
None more effectively
than jimmy stewart.
495
00:31:27,428 --> 00:31:29,085
A hardware man's son,
496
00:31:29,096 --> 00:31:32,347
Born in 1908
in indiana, pennsylvania,
497
00:31:32,424 --> 00:31:35,425
Jimmy was set to take over
the family business.
498
00:31:35,436 --> 00:31:39,596
But college sends him
in a different direction.
499
00:31:39,607 --> 00:31:43,183
This rare footage shows him
practicing the accordion
500
00:31:43,193 --> 00:31:47,779
For a triangle club show
at princeton university.
501
00:31:47,856 --> 00:31:51,441
The acting bug bites.
502
00:31:51,452 --> 00:31:53,443
Soon he makes it to hollywood,
503
00:31:53,454 --> 00:31:56,455
Starring in features like
"the philadelphia story,"
504
00:31:56,531 --> 00:31:59,958
For which he earns
a best acting oscar.
505
00:32:00,035 --> 00:32:03,286
Typically humble,
he keeps his speech short.
506
00:32:03,297 --> 00:32:08,458
Stewart: It's a great thrill
to me to receive this trophy
507
00:32:08,469 --> 00:32:10,886
And especially to receive it
from you, mr. Lunt.
508
00:32:10,963 --> 00:32:12,721
Thank you very much.
509
00:32:14,558 --> 00:32:17,476
Narrator: In 1940, as war looms,
510
00:32:17,552 --> 00:32:20,312
Jimmy tries to enlist
in the u.S. Army air corps.
511
00:32:23,150 --> 00:32:25,817
He's rejected
for being underweight.
512
00:32:28,480 --> 00:32:32,449
Within months, he puts on nearly
five pounds to scrape through.
513
00:32:35,412 --> 00:32:37,746
He becomes
the first hollywood star
514
00:32:37,823 --> 00:32:40,490
To wear a uniform
in world war ii,
515
00:32:40,501 --> 00:32:45,253
And his service
is no publicity stunt.
516
00:32:45,330 --> 00:32:47,330
He wins the distinguished
flying cross
517
00:32:47,341 --> 00:32:50,500
For combat missions
in France and germany
518
00:32:50,511 --> 00:32:53,261
And reaches the rank
of brigadier general,
519
00:32:53,338 --> 00:32:57,432
The highest of any actor
in military history.
520
00:32:57,509 --> 00:33:00,686
The same down-to-earth qualities
that made him a star
521
00:33:00,762 --> 00:33:04,606
Make him the perfect face of
the air force recruitment drive.
522
00:33:04,683 --> 00:33:07,100
Stewart: Hello.
523
00:33:07,111 --> 00:33:09,686
Gee, it looks like I'm back
in the movies again, doesn't it?
524
00:33:09,697 --> 00:33:12,197
Well, as a matter of fact,
I'd like to do some talking.
525
00:33:14,359 --> 00:33:16,693
Don't go away
until I get this thing off.
526
00:33:16,704 --> 00:33:19,195
Narrator:
Like will rogers before him,
527
00:33:19,206 --> 00:33:22,624
His "aw, shucks" amiability
comes across well.
528
00:33:22,701 --> 00:33:25,377
Stewart: Young men of america,
your future's in the sky.
529
00:33:25,454 --> 00:33:27,170
Your wings are waiting.
530
00:33:29,041 --> 00:33:33,844
Narrator: He gets credit for
inspiring 150,000 new recruits.
531
00:33:36,140 --> 00:33:38,807
But the u.S. Military's
segregation policy
532
00:33:38,884 --> 00:33:41,301
Marginalizes black men.
533
00:33:41,311 --> 00:33:43,812
Many in the air force feel
that only white recruits
534
00:33:43,889 --> 00:33:46,481
Are able to perform
responsible roles.
535
00:33:50,812 --> 00:33:54,906
That doesn't stop the students
of tuskegee university, alabama.
536
00:33:59,413 --> 00:34:03,582
They transform their campus
into a pilot training facility.
537
00:34:06,328 --> 00:34:10,505
Here they learn the theories
of aviation and navigation
538
00:34:10,582 --> 00:34:13,383
And practice
in an early flight simulator.
539
00:34:16,680 --> 00:34:20,015
Black students grab
the opportunity with both hands,
540
00:34:20,092 --> 00:34:22,425
Intent on protecting
their country
541
00:34:22,436 --> 00:34:24,603
And overcoming prejudice.
542
00:34:28,016 --> 00:34:31,109
926 pilots graduate,
543
00:34:31,186 --> 00:34:33,019
And the tuskegee airmen
544
00:34:33,030 --> 00:34:37,032
Become the u.S. Military's first
african-american aviators.
545
00:34:38,777 --> 00:34:41,361
Unlike many black servicemen,
546
00:34:41,371 --> 00:34:43,413
They get to engage in combat.
547
00:34:45,459 --> 00:34:47,367
In early 1944,
548
00:34:47,377 --> 00:34:52,372
The 332nd fighter group
is sent to Italy.
549
00:34:52,382 --> 00:34:54,290
They take part
in savage dogfights,
550
00:34:54,301 --> 00:34:56,927
Facing up to
300 german fighters.
551
00:35:00,882 --> 00:35:04,392
Protecting 179 bombing missions,
552
00:35:04,469 --> 00:35:08,647
The red tails lose only
27 bombers to enemy fire,
553
00:35:08,723 --> 00:35:11,474
Half as many
as the average squadron,
554
00:35:11,485 --> 00:35:14,569
Thanks to brave pilots
like captain elwood driver.
555
00:35:14,646 --> 00:35:16,146
Elwood driver:
Yesterday I fulfilled
556
00:35:16,156 --> 00:35:18,573
One of my ambitions
as a combat pilot.
557
00:35:18,650 --> 00:35:20,659
I got one airplane.
558
00:35:20,735 --> 00:35:23,578
As they came over
and completed the dive-bomb run,
559
00:35:23,655 --> 00:35:25,997
I saw three pass
underneath my wing.
560
00:35:26,074 --> 00:35:27,907
The fourth one was
the unfortunate one.
561
00:35:27,918 --> 00:35:33,713
♪
562
00:35:34,842 --> 00:35:36,424
Narrator: The success
563
00:35:36,501 --> 00:35:39,594
Of the tuskegee airmen's
small-town training corps
564
00:35:39,671 --> 00:35:42,848
Paves the way
for military desegregation.
565
00:35:51,692 --> 00:35:55,018
Peace comes in 1945,
566
00:35:55,028 --> 00:35:56,769
But the fear of new threats
567
00:35:56,780 --> 00:35:59,030
Looms large in
the american consciousness.
568
00:36:01,443 --> 00:36:04,870
In 1947,
the small town of roswell
569
00:36:04,946 --> 00:36:07,789
Becomes the center
of fevered paranoia.
570
00:36:10,878 --> 00:36:14,379
That July, people report
seeing a flying saucer
571
00:36:14,456 --> 00:36:16,756
Crash in the desert nearby.
572
00:36:18,960 --> 00:36:22,212
Hysteria is spreading
across the country,
573
00:36:22,222 --> 00:36:25,348
And americans report
hundreds of ufo sightings.
574
00:36:27,802 --> 00:36:30,395
Three years later, in 1950,
575
00:36:30,472 --> 00:36:32,388
In louisville, kentucky,
576
00:36:32,399 --> 00:36:36,568
A tv cameraman films
what appears to be a ufo.
577
00:36:43,151 --> 00:36:45,068
Trying to calm the public,
578
00:36:45,078 --> 00:36:46,828
The director
of air force intelligence,
579
00:36:46,905 --> 00:36:48,655
General john samford,
580
00:36:48,665 --> 00:36:50,749
Makes a statement
from the pentagon.
581
00:36:50,825 --> 00:36:53,251
John samford: We can say
that the recent sightings
582
00:36:53,328 --> 00:36:56,079
Are in no way connected
583
00:36:56,089 --> 00:36:57,997
With any secret development
584
00:36:58,008 --> 00:37:00,050
By any department
of the united states.
585
00:37:02,012 --> 00:37:05,680
Narrator: The denial
only adds fuel to the fire,
586
00:37:05,757 --> 00:37:09,267
And many suspect
a military cover-up.
587
00:37:09,344 --> 00:37:10,644
They're right.
588
00:37:14,191 --> 00:37:16,349
In 1994,
589
00:37:16,360 --> 00:37:20,353
An internal investigation
reveals the roswell sighting
590
00:37:20,364 --> 00:37:22,614
Was the result of project mogul.
591
00:37:24,618 --> 00:37:28,528
The top-secret project
used high-altitude balloons
592
00:37:28,538 --> 00:37:32,374
To monitor
soviet atomic bomb tests.
593
00:37:32,450 --> 00:37:35,043
When one crashed in 1947,
594
00:37:35,120 --> 00:37:36,711
The military covered it up
595
00:37:36,788 --> 00:37:40,882
To hide the true purpose
of the balloons.
596
00:37:40,959 --> 00:37:43,468
But the conspiracy
refuses to die,
597
00:37:43,545 --> 00:37:46,972
And over time,
this small town in new mexico
598
00:37:47,048 --> 00:37:49,933
Becomes the ufo capital
of the world.
599
00:37:53,138 --> 00:37:55,138
It won't be the only small town
600
00:37:55,148 --> 00:37:58,641
To find a new future
in postwar america
601
00:37:58,652 --> 00:38:01,736
And put itself on the world map.
602
00:38:04,566 --> 00:38:08,910
By the 1950s, nearly two-thirds
of americans live in cities.
603
00:38:08,987 --> 00:38:10,486
Many are nostalgic
604
00:38:10,497 --> 00:38:13,081
For the small towns
they've left behind.
605
00:38:13,158 --> 00:38:16,326
♪
606
00:38:16,336 --> 00:38:19,170
The educational film
"our community"
607
00:38:19,247 --> 00:38:23,499
Portrays millwood, connecticut,
as a picture-perfect town.
608
00:38:23,510 --> 00:38:26,344
Announcer: This is the story
of one day in millwood,
609
00:38:26,421 --> 00:38:28,596
Just any day.
610
00:38:28,673 --> 00:38:32,091
The story begins at daybreak.
611
00:38:32,102 --> 00:38:35,428
All is quiet
in the anderson home,
612
00:38:35,439 --> 00:38:38,514
Everybody is asleep.
613
00:38:38,525 --> 00:38:41,184
Narrator: The film
is distributed in schools
614
00:38:41,194 --> 00:38:43,695
By encyclopedia britannica
615
00:38:43,772 --> 00:38:46,531
To encourage students to
appreciate the contribution
616
00:38:46,608 --> 00:38:50,952
Of the members
of their local community.
617
00:38:51,029 --> 00:38:53,538
The folk of millwood
perform the neighborly roles
618
00:38:53,615 --> 00:38:58,534
Of milkman, baker,
and postman...
619
00:38:58,545 --> 00:39:02,547
Working in harmony
to create a wholesome town.
620
00:39:02,624 --> 00:39:04,382
Schoolchildren are encouraged
621
00:39:04,459 --> 00:39:08,011
To aspire to the example set
by the town of millwood.
622
00:39:13,310 --> 00:39:15,301
In 1951,
623
00:39:15,312 --> 00:39:17,720
The epitome
of the small-town hero
624
00:39:17,731 --> 00:39:19,481
Making it big in the city
625
00:39:19,557 --> 00:39:22,642
Is mickey mantle...
626
00:39:22,652 --> 00:39:25,728
An oklahoma kid
whose skills with the bat
627
00:39:25,739 --> 00:39:28,573
Transform his dreams
into reality.
628
00:39:31,486 --> 00:39:32,735
[bat cracks, crowd cheers]
629
00:39:32,746 --> 00:39:34,579
His raw talent
630
00:39:34,656 --> 00:39:37,824
Propels him from the obscurity
of commerce, oklahoma,
631
00:39:37,834 --> 00:39:39,667
To new york city,
632
00:39:39,744 --> 00:39:43,046
Where he replaces star
yankee outfielder joe dimaggio.
633
00:39:46,093 --> 00:39:48,676
Dropped into
the major league circus,
634
00:39:48,753 --> 00:39:54,340
His simple plain-speaking ways
make him a cult hero.
635
00:39:54,351 --> 00:39:56,101
Mickey mantle: I'm sure not
going to be disappointed.
636
00:39:56,177 --> 00:39:59,354
If I end up the season
with about 55 home runs,
637
00:39:59,431 --> 00:40:01,764
I'd be very happy.
638
00:40:01,775 --> 00:40:04,684
Narrator: He ends up winning
seven world series
639
00:40:04,694 --> 00:40:08,020
And is selected to play
in 16 all-star games.
640
00:40:08,031 --> 00:40:11,241
[cheering]
641
00:40:16,197 --> 00:40:18,123
Far away from
the glitz and glamour
642
00:40:18,199 --> 00:40:20,116
Of major league baseball,
643
00:40:20,127 --> 00:40:22,794
Many small towns,
like hayters gap, virginia,
644
00:40:22,871 --> 00:40:24,212
Are suffering.
645
00:40:27,300 --> 00:40:30,552
In 1965, some families here
struggle to survive
646
00:40:30,628 --> 00:40:33,179
On less than $100 a month.
647
00:40:36,726 --> 00:40:40,386
The coal mines and family farms
that the town was built on
648
00:40:40,397 --> 00:40:43,523
Are outdated
and no longer profitable.
649
00:40:45,560 --> 00:40:47,569
Lack of resources and expertise
650
00:40:47,645 --> 00:40:51,406
Means the town cannot adapt
to the changing demands
651
00:40:51,483 --> 00:40:55,735
Of the modern manufacturing
and service industries.
652
00:40:55,745 --> 00:40:59,822
The people are left stranded,
without opportunity.
653
00:40:59,833 --> 00:41:01,833
Man: I just do labor work
654
00:41:01,910 --> 00:41:04,419
And got no education.
655
00:41:04,496 --> 00:41:07,255
Just labor work's
all I have to hunt for.
656
00:41:10,343 --> 00:41:12,427
Narrator: Across the country,
657
00:41:12,504 --> 00:41:17,098
One-third of all rural families,
16 million people,
658
00:41:17,175 --> 00:41:18,808
Are trapped in poverty.
659
00:41:24,516 --> 00:41:28,017
When lyndon johnson
comes to power in 1964,
660
00:41:28,028 --> 00:41:29,611
He responds to the crisis
661
00:41:29,687 --> 00:41:32,355
In his first
state of the union address.
662
00:41:32,365 --> 00:41:35,033
Lyndon johnson:
And this administration today
663
00:41:35,109 --> 00:41:37,443
Here and now
664
00:41:37,454 --> 00:41:42,499
Declares unconditional war
on poverty in america.
665
00:41:44,211 --> 00:41:46,786
Narrator: One billion dollars
of federal funds
666
00:41:46,796 --> 00:41:49,964
Is committed
to new training programs.
667
00:41:50,041 --> 00:41:52,050
Local community representatives
668
00:41:52,126 --> 00:41:55,720
Are appointed to reach out
to america's underprivileged,
669
00:41:55,797 --> 00:41:59,057
Encouraging them to learn
how to read, write,
670
00:41:59,133 --> 00:42:02,969
And develop
modern technical skills.
671
00:42:02,979 --> 00:42:06,898
8 billion dollars is provided
to improve housing for the poor.
672
00:42:09,811 --> 00:42:14,146
President johnson's mission
is to stamp out poverty.
673
00:42:14,157 --> 00:42:17,650
He urges congress to
"pursue it wherever it exists,
674
00:42:17,661 --> 00:42:20,787
In city slums and small towns."
675
00:42:22,740 --> 00:42:26,251
The president also pledges
his support for civil rights.
676
00:42:30,423 --> 00:42:37,086
In March 1965, the students from
tuskegee join the movement.
677
00:42:37,097 --> 00:42:38,838
They demonstrate
for voting rights
678
00:42:38,848 --> 00:42:40,598
In montgomery, alabama.
679
00:42:47,190 --> 00:42:51,067
Police confront protestors
and try to move them on.
680
00:42:53,446 --> 00:42:56,698
Practicing non-violent
non-cooperation,
681
00:42:56,774 --> 00:43:00,451
They drop to the floor.
682
00:43:00,528 --> 00:43:02,579
Officers drag them away.
683
00:43:04,532 --> 00:43:08,543
Demonstrations
continue for 19 days.
684
00:43:12,540 --> 00:43:14,382
Ten months later,
685
00:43:14,459 --> 00:43:17,885
An attack on tuskegee student
sammy younge, jr.,
686
00:43:17,962 --> 00:43:20,305
A former u.S. Naval serviceman,
687
00:43:20,381 --> 00:43:23,725
Brings the demand for
black rights into sharp focus.
688
00:43:25,303 --> 00:43:30,315
On January 3, 1966,
at a standard oil gas station,
689
00:43:30,391 --> 00:43:32,642
He objects when
he believes an attendant
690
00:43:32,652 --> 00:43:36,812
Sends him to
a "colored only" bathroom.
691
00:43:36,823 --> 00:43:38,489
After a confrontation,
692
00:43:38,566 --> 00:43:41,150
The attendant shoots him dead
in this alleyway.
693
00:43:41,161 --> 00:43:42,660
[gunshot]
694
00:43:44,072 --> 00:43:45,496
Sammy younge, jr.
695
00:43:45,573 --> 00:43:47,415
Is the first
black college student
696
00:43:47,492 --> 00:43:51,210
To be killed for his actions
in the civil rights movement.
697
00:43:57,418 --> 00:44:01,763
The next day, shown here
in never-before-seen footage,
698
00:44:01,839 --> 00:44:05,600
2,000 students March outside
the gas station in tuskegee
699
00:44:05,677 --> 00:44:07,810
To protest his murder.
700
00:44:13,109 --> 00:44:16,185
11 months later,
an all-white jury
701
00:44:16,196 --> 00:44:19,781
Finds the killer,
marvin segrest, not guilty.
702
00:44:23,528 --> 00:44:27,288
Younge's death empowers
black political participation
703
00:44:27,365 --> 00:44:29,832
In tuskegee and beyond.
704
00:44:31,953 --> 00:44:34,537
By 1970, the majority of
705
00:44:34,547 --> 00:44:36,122
Local government office holders
706
00:44:36,132 --> 00:44:37,882
In black alabama counties
707
00:44:37,959 --> 00:44:40,718
Are african american.
708
00:44:40,795 --> 00:44:43,295
A decade of
the civil rights movement
709
00:44:43,306 --> 00:44:45,223
Has ended segregation
710
00:44:45,299 --> 00:44:48,893
And changed the mindset of
the black population forever.
711
00:44:48,970 --> 00:44:51,396
♪
712
00:44:51,472 --> 00:44:53,889
In the small town
of muscle shoals,
713
00:44:53,900 --> 00:44:56,901
Racial integration
is bringing great reward.
714
00:44:56,978 --> 00:44:59,904
♪
715
00:44:59,981 --> 00:45:03,408
30 years after roosevelt
brought the town electricity,
716
00:45:03,484 --> 00:45:07,403
It has grown to a population
of nearly 7,000 people.
717
00:45:07,414 --> 00:45:12,742
♪
718
00:45:12,752 --> 00:45:14,744
Here in 1962,
719
00:45:14,754 --> 00:45:18,414
Music producer rick hall
opens fame studios.
720
00:45:18,425 --> 00:45:22,168
♪
721
00:45:22,178 --> 00:45:24,336
He forms a house band
722
00:45:24,347 --> 00:45:27,515
In which black and white
musicians play together
723
00:45:27,592 --> 00:45:29,425
To back visiting artists.
724
00:45:29,436 --> 00:45:32,520
♪
725
00:45:32,597 --> 00:45:34,772
Rick hall: I think, let's do it
the other way and try it.
726
00:45:34,849 --> 00:45:38,276
Man: One, two...
One, two, three, four.
727
00:45:38,352 --> 00:45:44,273
♪
728
00:45:44,284 --> 00:45:47,610
Hall: We feel the people here
love each other.
729
00:45:47,620 --> 00:45:49,862
Willie hightower:
♪ if I could be you ♪
730
00:45:49,873 --> 00:45:52,198
♪ and you could be me ♪
731
00:45:52,208 --> 00:45:55,034
♪ for just one hour ♪
732
00:45:55,044 --> 00:45:56,452
♪ oh, yeah ♪
733
00:45:56,463 --> 00:45:58,204
Narrator: In 1970,
734
00:45:58,214 --> 00:46:01,540
Willie hightower records
the racial tolerance anthem
735
00:46:01,551 --> 00:46:04,710
"walk a mile in my shoes" here.
736
00:46:04,721 --> 00:46:06,295
Hightower: ♪ oh, yeah ♪
737
00:46:06,306 --> 00:46:08,473
Narrator: The simple life
and small-town charm
738
00:46:08,549 --> 00:46:11,467
Of the studio's
muscle shoals home
739
00:46:11,478 --> 00:46:13,636
Persuades songwriters
like sonny limbo
740
00:46:13,646 --> 00:46:16,472
To turn their back
on the big city.
741
00:46:16,483 --> 00:46:18,316
Sonny limbo: I just
like it here much better.
742
00:46:18,392 --> 00:46:21,727
The attitude of the people
in new york city,
743
00:46:21,738 --> 00:46:23,488
Particularly
in the music business,
744
00:46:23,564 --> 00:46:25,314
It's a little too fast for me.
745
00:46:25,325 --> 00:46:27,992
Well, it's a dog-eat-dog
world up there.
746
00:46:28,069 --> 00:46:30,236
Narrator: The fame name
747
00:46:30,246 --> 00:46:32,997
Draws artists like
aretha franklin,
748
00:46:33,074 --> 00:46:35,241
Wilson pickett and duane allman,
749
00:46:35,251 --> 00:46:37,409
And otis redding.
750
00:46:37,420 --> 00:46:39,420
Hightower: ♪ oh, yeah ♪
751
00:46:39,497 --> 00:46:44,416
♪ if I could see you in my eye ♪
752
00:46:44,427 --> 00:46:47,002
♪ instead of your ego ♪
753
00:46:47,013 --> 00:46:48,921
♪ oh, yeah ♪
754
00:46:48,932 --> 00:46:52,174
Narrator: The house band,
with rick hall at the helm,
755
00:46:52,185 --> 00:46:54,352
Craft the famously deep,
soulful, swampy
756
00:46:54,428 --> 00:46:56,771
Muscle shoals sound
757
00:46:56,848 --> 00:46:59,273
And produce 75
gold and platinum hits.
758
00:46:59,350 --> 00:47:01,192
Hightower:
♪ walk a mile in my shoes ♪
759
00:47:01,269 --> 00:47:03,269
♪
760
00:47:03,279 --> 00:47:06,605
Narrator: Muscle shoals'
small-town enterprise
761
00:47:06,616 --> 00:47:09,275
Becomes
an international success.
762
00:47:09,285 --> 00:47:11,443
Hightower: ♪ before you abuse ♪
763
00:47:11,454 --> 00:47:14,196
♪ criticize and accuse ♪
764
00:47:14,207 --> 00:47:17,458
♪ just walk a mile in my shoes ♪
765
00:47:17,535 --> 00:47:22,037
♪
766
00:47:22,048 --> 00:47:24,465
Narrator: At the turn
of the 20th century,
767
00:47:24,542 --> 00:47:29,211
Two-thirds of americans
lived in small towns.
768
00:47:29,222 --> 00:47:34,392
By the 1960s,
only one-third remains.
769
00:47:34,468 --> 00:47:36,635
In post-industrial america,
770
00:47:36,646 --> 00:47:41,056
Small towns have faced
many challenges.
771
00:47:41,067 --> 00:47:42,641
Some have survived.
772
00:47:42,652 --> 00:47:46,145
Some have been left behind.
773
00:47:46,155 --> 00:47:49,490
But the wholesome ideal
of small-town life,
774
00:47:49,567 --> 00:47:52,318
Where a friend is only
a short stroll away,
775
00:47:52,328 --> 00:47:56,455
Continues to burn brightly
in the minds of americans.
65361
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