S1997 E1 • Titanic: Anatomy of a Disaster

S1997 E2 • Who Wrote the Bible?

It is the world's most widely read and revered book, regarded as the Word of God by the faithful and a fascinating historical document by scholars. But what are the facts behind the creation of this immortal text?This two-volume set chronicles new scientific research and theological insight into the origin of the Holy Scriptures. Leading Biblical experts journey back to the land and the times of the Bible's very creation to probe its most profound mysteries: Did Moses really write the Torah? What secrets does the oldest existing piece of the Bible reveal? And what hints of its genesis can the Dead Sea scrolls tell us? From ancient Qumran to Jerusalem and from Galilee to Egypt, the clues this unique inquiry uncovers will intrigue and inspire the faithful and scholarly alike!

S1997 E3 • The Haunted History of Halloween

The origins of Halloween are explored in this engrossing program on the subject. A ghoulish array of costumes, make up, and decoration descend on communities every year on October 31st, but few people are aware of how the celebration came to exist. Harry Smith attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery in THE HAUNTED HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN, which delves into the 3,000 years of hoopla that traditionally unfolds when October comes around. As the history is explained, so are various failed attempts to co-opt the festival by various religious groups; but the most compelling revelation is how little the festival has changed over the centuries. A marvelous way to gain a historical perspective on this entertaining holiday, Smith's program is almost as fun as carving a pumpkin, donning a spooky costume, and undertaking a little trick or treating!

S1997 E4 • Warrior tradition : Shogun, the supreme Samurai

An examination of the history, culture and legacy of Japan's storied warriors. See how the nation was continually wracked by civil wars, with the only peace coming when the most powerful samurais were able to claim the title of shogun and rule with an iron hand over their cowed adversaries. Explore the strict code of bushido these ancient warriors lived by, and hear period accounts of the greatest battles and most storied fighters.

S1997 E5 • Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas

The documentary traces the evolution of the celebration of Christmas from ancient times until the present day. It is sprinkled with comments from such luminaries as Jean Shepherd, Alan Dundes and Forrest Church, among others, and makes liberal use of film and television clips from It's a Wonderful Life, Mickey's Christmas Carol, rare silent film versions of A Visit from St. Nicholas, the film A Christmas Story, and a seldom seen, extremely low-budget, 1949 television version of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol (which is, however, mistakenly identified as having been made in 1958). Several aspects of Christmas are touched on - the bringing of Christmas trees to England and to the U.S., the writing of A Visit from St. Nicholas (aka. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas), the evolution of Santa Claus, and the writing of the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.

S1997 E6 • Warrior Tradition: French Foreign Legion

They are the last refuge for the desperate, a place where a man's past is forgiven and forgotten and one of the most difficult and demanding fighting forces on earth. No other force has captured the imagination of so many men as the French Foreign Legion.From the desert sands of Algeria to the beleaguered airstrip at Dien Bien Phu, the Legion has held together through good times and bad because of a strong sense of brotherhood and loyalty to the cause. And they have fought in some of history's most storied battles. THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION is a thrilling trip through the bloody history of this fabled fighting force. Journey back to Napoleonic France to uncover its origins, and follow its growing legend through the decades. See how men were drawn to theLegion by its promise that when a recruit signs up, his past is forgotten, but his future is France's. Die and you die a hero, live and all past sins are forgiven. From Beau Geste to its surprising survival in the modern world, this is the gripping story.