Autry Museum of Western Heritage 2005
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Great Museums Television
Director n/a
DVD, color, 28 min.
Grades 4 - Adult
American Studies, Area Studies, Biography, Film Studies, History, Museums, Music, Native American Studies, Popular Culture, Storytelling
Date Entered: 02/28/2006
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Head, Web and Digitization Services, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las VegasThis DVD tells the story of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage (now known as the Museum of the American West), established by cowboy and film star Gene Autry to portray both the mythic West and the real West to the American people and others. The story of the American West is told from its origins with the arrival of the Spanish missionaries from Mexico in the mid-sixteenth century, to the present day. Seven galleries are currently on display, representing the seven spirits of the West. The museum tries to portray history and historical events, without providing opinions or viewpoints. For instance, the Custer story is told from both the military and Indian perspectives, and the viewer sees this battle from both sides. The influence of Chinese-Americans and Native Americans on the history of the American West is also portrayed. Given Autry's legacy to film and the American cowboy, one gallery is devoted to the influence of Hollywood on the concept of the mythic West and the real West in American film. A very concise and interesting examination of one museum devoted to a specific topic.