Pioneer Boy of the Midwest

On April 25, 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick published their groundbreaking discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. But their crucial breakthrough depended on the pioneering work of another biologist, Rosalind Franklin. 50 years later, NOVA investigates the shocking truth behind one of the greatest scientific discoveries and presents a moving portrait of a brilliant woman in an era of male-dominated science.

A look back at an incredible challenge that combines human adventure and historic exploit. In 1909, Louis Blériot made the first flight across the English Channel, propelling aviation into the modern era. 110 years on, a team of enthusiasts attempt a mad-cap gamble, to fly a replica Blériot XI.

By the end of his illustrious career, Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves may well have been the preeminent lawman of the Old West. He brought upwards of 3,000 outlaws to justice and served in law enforcement for 32 years during Reconstruction after the Civil War. His story is one of an escape to freedom and the dangers of the West for a former slave who rose to become a legend of the law. Join us as we go in search of Bass Reeves.

A short documentary about Puerto Rico's most popular 'New Wave' music group.

Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, rises to 4,810 m and was first climbed on August 8, 1786. Chamonix natives Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard set out on the afternoon of August 7 and returned victorious on the morning of the 9th, after two nights spent outdoors. This film is a staging that reconstructs this great event with all the problems it created and resolved, thus contributing to the emergence of the modern concept of mountaineering. Denis Ducroz, guide and filmmaker, immerses us in the minds and times of these two men, 224 years later.

Sure, Elvis was the King, but who was the Queen? The Women Of Rockabilly – Welcome To The Club is a documentary search for the "Female Elvis", as we meet the women of rockabilly music and explore the "what-if’s?" and "what-now’s" of their careers. Brenda Lee, Wanda Jackson, Janis Martin and a sassy cast of lesser but no less colorful pretenders to the throne describe their trailblazing days when they were the embodiment of exuberance, sexuality and defiance in a world that wasn’t quite ready for them. A rockin’ feature documentary by Beth Harrington.

At age sixteen, Brigham Young was sent from his home, tools in hand, to become a craftsman. Years later, Joseph Smith helped provide spiritual tools necessary for his life ahead. Brigham rose above the turmoil of Joseph's martyrdom to lead the Saints to the safety of the West. As the second prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he moved populations, formed armies, built cities and temples, and nurtured the growth of the Church. Enduring to the end, Brigham truly was the "Lion of the Lord" and was greeted again by the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he passed through the veil.

Shows how a pioneer family of the early 1800's selected a site, built a log cabin, cooked, made soap and candles and did other household tasks.

Shows how a pioneer family prepared their food.

The radical true story behind three teenage surfers from Venice Beach, California, who took skateboarding to the extreme and changed the world of sports forever. Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva and Jay Adams are the Z-Boys, a bunch of nobodies until they create a new style of skateboarding that becomes a worldwide phenomenon. But when their hobby becomes a business, the success shreds their friendship.

A western settlement of pioneer descendants is threatened with the loss of its water supply through the encroachments of nearby townspeople.

A family of pioneers is almost completely destroyed by Indians in search of revenge: little George was left fainted on the ground and his small sister adopted by the Indian chief... Fate will bring them together again.

South western Pennsylvania area of colonial America, 1760s. Colonial distaste and disapproval of the British government is starting to surface. Many local colonists have been killed by American Indians who are armed with rifles supplied by white traders.

This Oscar-nominated animated short tells the story of a dapper young remittance man who is sent from England to Alberta to attempt ranching in 1909.

A pregnant pioneer woman and her family meet a supernatural fate after breaking from their wagon train to California and ignoring a series of ominous dreams.

Young scout Breck Coleman leads a wagon train along the dangerous trail to Oregon as he tries to get the affection of the beautiful pioneer Ruth Cameron and plans his revenge on the harsh scoundrels who murdered a friend of his in the past.