The Summer of '69

We've lost quite a few famous folk this summer...Ed McMahon, Walter Cronkite, Don Hewitt, and now Ted Kennedy. All played an important part in the halcyon days prior the start of the '70s (I refer to that time as the "lost decade"). As we come towards the end of another summer, this is a good opportunity to reflect on things and past events...so why not 1969!

In 1986, ABC was up against stiff competition on Thursday nights. The Cosby Show was so far ahead in the ratings. No other show could stop it. ABC offered a sacrificial lamb by creating a new and novel show...Our World. This wonderfully produced and edited show was a low-cost vehicle, using ABC News footage and video. Here's how the book Special Edition described it:

The concept of Our World was a simple one. Each broadcast would recall a significant moment in history (a day, a week, a month, a season) and would bring to the screen the challenges, textures, and lifestyles of a era passed. It would describe events with carefully chosen archival images and interviews with witnesses and place them all into a current perspective and context. The series would encompass every facet of American life, including politics, technology, music, business, fashion, sports, science, and art.

The show was written and hosted by veterans Linda Ellerbee and Ray Gandolf. It was widely hailed by critics, but unfortunately lasted only a single season. Since I was not a fan of Cosby, I taped and watched every single episode.

The episode presented here (without the commercials...except for the very end) is the premiere. It was broadcast by ABC on September 25, 1986. Here is the show description (from Special Edition):

THE SUMMER OF '69
Recalling the flight of Apollo 11 and man's first walk on the moon; the Woodstock rock festival; the Vietnam War divides the nation; the "amazin" New York Mets win the World Series; Ted Kennedy and Chappaquiddick; the Manson Family murder case; the death and funeral of Judy Garland.

Part 1 (great use of period music):



Part 2:



Part 3:



Part 4:



Part 5:



Part 6:



Part 7:




I'll be away for a few days, enjoying the last gasp of the summer of 2009. See you sometime next week!