Project XX

1954 - 1970

Three Two One Zero

13th September 1954

Episode 1

Explores the development of rocketry and the atomic age, tracing humanity’s journey from wartime missiles to the dawn of the space era.

Nightmare in Red

27th December 1955

Episode 2

Covers the old Czarist order, the revolutions of 1905 and 1917 and the growth of Communism inside Russia from its early days to the mid-1950s.

The Twisted Cross

14th March 1956

Episode 3

Examines the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, using newsreel footage and photographs to trace the roots and consequences of totalitarianism in Germany.

The Great War: World War I

15th October 1956

Episode 4

Examines the first World War from the assassination of Franz Ferdinand to the Treaty of Versailles.

The Jazz Age

6th December 1956

Episode 5

Examines the period between the end of World War I and the stock market crash of 1929. It is an age of Charles Lindbergh, Jazz Music, prohibition, and excess.

Call to Freedom

6th January 1957

Episode 6

Chronicles the story of immigration to America, highlighting how millions sought freedom and opportunity from the nation’s founding through the early 20th century.

The Innocent Years

21st November 1957

Episode 7

Examines the relatively calm and peaceful years between 1900 and 1914 looking at Teddy Roosevelt, Vaudeville, the development of movies, and the deployment of U.S. troops in Mexico.

Meet Mr. Lincoln

11th February 1959

Episode 8

Describes the troubles the United States faced in 1860, when Abraham Lincoln was elected President, proceeding through the Civil War and Lincoln's assassination.

Life in the Thirties

16th October 1959

Episode 9

Examines American life in the 1930s from the Depression and election of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the eve of World War II.

Not So Long Ago

19th February 1960

Episode 10

Examines the period between the end of World War II to the start of the Korean War describing the growth in the standard of living, Cold War suspicions in America, and Truman's shocking defeat of Dewey in the presidential election of 1948.

Mark Twain's America

22nd April 1960

Episode 11

A look at the life of author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain in 19th century America.

He Has Seen War

29th March 1961

Episode 12

Looks at the experiences of ordinary American soldiers returning from World War II and the Korean War, exploring how war changed their lives and the nation’s understanding of veterans.

Those Ragtime Years

22nd November 1960

Episode 13

Celebrates the music, dance, and cultural spirit of the early 20th century ragtime era, featuring period photos, rare film clips, and classic ragtime tunes.

The Coming of Christ

21st December 1960

Episode 14

Tells the story of the birth and life of Jesus Christ through Renaissance and medieval art, music, and religious imagery, exploring how the Nativity and early Christianity have been depicted across centuries.

Victory at Sea

29th December 1960

Episode 15

Chronicles the naval battles of World War II, highlighting the strategy, heroism, and global impact of the Allied forces at sea through dramatic archival footage.

The Story of Will Rogers

28th March 1961

Episode 16

Bob Hope narrates this look at the life of entertainer Will Rogers.

The Real West

29th March 1961

Episode 17

Gary Cooper narrates the westward migration from St Louis to CA giving details along the way, then the cattle drives from Texas to Kansas the gold and Silver Rushes, ending with the mistreatment of the Native Americans.

The World of Bob Hope

29th October 1961

Episode 18

Looks back at Bob Hope’s legendary career in comedy, film, and radio, highlighting his impact on American entertainment and his dedication to performing for U.S. troops around the world.

U.S. Grant, the Improbable Hero

24th November 1961

Episode 19

Explores the life and military career of Ulysses S. Grant, highlighting his unexpected rise from obscurity to commanding general during the American Civil War and eventual presidency.

The World of Billy Graham

29th November 1961

Episode 20

Profiles evangelist Billy Graham’s rise to prominence, exploring his influence on American religious life and his global crusades.

Lee, the Virginian

15th January 1962

Episode 21

Examines the life and military career of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, exploring his leadership during the American Civil War and his complex legacy.

The World of Jimmie Doolittle

18th January 1962

Episode 22

Profiles aviation pioneer and military leader Jimmie Doolittle, highlighting his innovations in flight and his daring leadership during World War II.

He is Risen

15th April 1962

Episode 23

Explores the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, using religious art, music, and historical context to illustrate the significance of Easter in Christian tradition.

The Tall American, Gary Cooper

26th March 1963

Episode 24

Highlights the life and career of actor Gary Cooper, exploring his iconic roles and lasting impact on American cinema.

That War in Korea

20th November 1963

Episode 25

Examines the causes, major battles, and consequences of the Korean War, highlighting the conflict’s impact on soldiers and civilians.

The Red, White, and Blue

Episode 26

Celebrates American patriotism by exploring the history and symbolism of the U.S. flag and its role in uniting the nation.

The Island Called Ellis

13th January 1967

Episode 27

Explores the history of Ellis Island as America’s primary immigration station, highlighting the experiences of the millions who passed through seeking a new life.

End of the Trail

16th March 1967

Episode 28

Explores the inhumane treatment of Native Americans by U.S. settlers and the U.S. military.

The Law and the Prophets

23rd April 1967

Episode 29

Explores the origins and teachings of the Hebrew Bible, highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of the Law and the Prophets in Jewish tradition.

Down to the Sea in Ships

11th December 1968

Episode 30

Chronicles the history of American maritime commerce and whaling, highlighting the challenges and adventures of sailors on the high seas.

Meet George Washington

24th April 1969

Episode 31

Traces the life and legacy of George Washington, highlighting his leadership in the American Revolution and his role as the first President of the United States.

Mirror of America

Episode 32

Reflects on American life and culture through historic photographs and film, capturing the nation’s changing identity across decades.

The West of Charles Russell

7th January 1970

Episode 33

A look at artist Charles Russell and his depictions of cowboys and life in the "Wild West".

The Shining Mountains

Episode 34

Explores the history and natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, highlighting the people, wildlife, and events that shaped America’s mountain frontier.

Top Cast

Director

Donald B. Hyatt

Writer

Richard Hanser

Early NBC series showcasing compilation films - documentaries made from existing archival footage. Patterned on the successful Victory at Sea, it employed fast-paced editing, music, and narration. Concentrating on public affairs and public life, it steered clear of controversial subjects and enjoyed strong ratings, inspiring many competitors such as Air Power and The Twentieth Century. In later years, however, it would be criticized as superficial in comparison to "serious" documentary and current events programs.

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