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The Great Quake Poster

The Great Quake

Soon after it struck on April 18, 1906, the infamous San Francisco earthquake would prove to be one of the greatest natural disasters of all time, leveling a once-glorious cityscape and claiming thousands of lives. This fascinating National Geographic documentary chronicles the lead-up to the quake and the drive to survive and rebuild in its aftermath, as told from the perspectives of the people who lived through the terrifying temblor.

Top Cast

  • Tim Keele

    Tim Keele

    Narrator

  • Norman McIsaac

    Norman McIsaac

    Enrico Caruso

  • Josh Peddlesden

    Josh Peddlesden

    Son

  • Mikayla Scott

    Mikayla Scott

    Child

  • Naomi Vondell

    Naomi Vondell

    Dishevelled Woman

  • Michael C. Newsome

    Michael C. Newsome

    Dennis T. Sullivan

Overview

Soon after it struck on April 18, 1906, the infamous San Francisco earthquake would prove to be one of the greatest natural disasters of all time, leveling a once-glorious cityscape and claiming thousands of lives. This fascinating National Geographic documentary chronicles the lead-up to the quake and the drive to survive and rebuild in its aftermath, as told from the perspectives of the people who lived through the terrifying temblor.

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Visions of Light

Cameramen and women discuss the craft and art of cinematography and of the "DP" (the director of photography), illustrating their points with clips from 100 films, from Birth of a Nation to Do the Right Thing. Themes: the DP tells people where to look; changes in movies (the arrival of sound, color, and wide screens) required creative responses from DPs; and, these artisans constantly invent new equipment and try new things, with wonderful results. The narration takes us through the identifiable studio styles of the 30s, the emergence of noir, the New York look, and the impact of Europeans. Citizen Kane, The Conformist, and Gordon Willis get special attention.

Visions of Light

7.0 1992