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American Experience

The Era of Gangsters

During the Great Depression, gangsters became unlikely heroes. As film historian Jeanine Basinger notes in this clip, "The gangster figure represented somebody at the bottom of the social scale condemned to a life of nothing, who did not accept that as their fate and who found a way to change it, which was through violence." Bonnie & Clyde premieres January 19 at 9/8c on PBS.

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Chasing the Moon, Part 3
1:52:43
Chasing the Moon, Part 3
Chasing the Moon, Part 2
1:52:16
Chasing the Moon, Part 2
Chasing the Moon, Part 1
1:53:03
“Chasing the Moon,” a film by Robert Stone.
The Eugenics Crusade
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The Eugenics Crusade tells the story of the campaign to breed a “better” American race,
The Gilded Age
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The Gilded Age: Full Film
The Perfect Crime
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After attempting to commit the perfect crime, would two boys get the death penalty?
JFK, Part 2
1:52:42
Night 2 of "JFK," a biography of one of our most popular and most mourned leaders.
JFK, Part 1
1:52:43
“JFK” presents a fresh look at the life and legacy of America’s 35th president.
Billy the Kid
52:41
A fascinating look at the myth and the man behind it.
My Lai
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52:21
The 1968 My Lai massacre and its subsequent cover-up.
The Polio Crusade
52:01
In the 1950's a Polio outbreak swept the U.S., devastating communities nationwide.
The Presidents: George H.W. Bush (Part 2)
1:20:59
Part of the award-winning The Presidents collection.
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