The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America 2007
Distributed by Janson Media, 88 Semmons Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640; 201-784-8488
Produced by Civil Pictures
Directed by Scott Huegerich and Bob Miano
DVD, color, 60 min.
Sr. High - Adult
History, Architecture, Photography, Engineering
Date Entered: 11/18/2009
Reviewed by Susanne Boatright, Library, Blue River Community College, one of the Metropolitan Community Colleges, Kansas City, MOThe St. Louis Gateway Arch is a national historic landmark, which stands at the head of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Using construction footage from the early 1960s, dozens of interviews, archival illustrations and blueprints, this hour long historical documentary about the building of the St. Louis Gateway Arch is an excellent and entertaining production.
The 630 foot arch, built of stainless steel, is one of the most-recognized landmarks in the United States. Kevin Kline, a St. Louis native, narrates the script. It begins with a historical overview before turning its attention to the design and construction of the Arch, which reportedly claimed 13 lives during its construction. Bonus footage includes 30 minutes of interview excerpts and specific aspects of St. Louis history
Some of the documents and images include the private papers of the architect, Eero Saarinen. Notable interviews are with World Trade Center Memorial architect Daniel Libeskind, New York-based architecture critic, Jayne Merkel, and Eero Saarinen's daughter Susan.
This DVD is recommended for both school and community library collections, as well as public libraries.
The documentary has won many awards. Among them are: four Mid-America Emmy Awards (2007), two International AVA Awards, an International Questar Award (Best of Documentaries), a Telly Award, a Davey Award and a Riverfront Times Best of St. Louis Award.