Educational Media Reviews Online

Most Americans are very familiar with the Statue of Liberty in the middle of New York Harbor, but almost no one knows the history behind the colossus that has to a great extent become the symbol of freedom throughout the world. The gift from France was originally intended to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1876, but missed this date by almost 20 years. This film traces the history of the statue from its conception at a dinner party in April of 1865 attended by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi through his design, and finally its construction in Paris many years later.

The 305 foot tall statue was the tallest structure in the world at the time. (The Eiffel Tower was to come later.) And the actual composition was only slightly thicker than a copper penny. The Parisians became so fond of the statue many didn't want it to be taken down and sent to America, but it finally was erected on what is now known as Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The site was selected by Bartholdi after consideration of a number of places throughout the United States. And the rest is history so to speak. Bartholdi could not have known that millions of immigrants would pass near the statue in future years seeing it as a symbol of freedom. Also, the film points out that Emma Lazarus' poem "The New Colossus" was written many years later after she visited the statue, and a copy of it was later attached to the base. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free..." is now linked to Lady Liberty for as long as it exists.

The film has excellent production values with good early views of the construction of the statue in Paris, and the reassembling of it in New York Harbor. The more recent renovation of the structure is especially fascinating. Few films are more loaded with interesting facts that most Americans probably don't know.

Highly recommended.