A 30-year dream. A 50-mile shortcut. A timeless achievement.
A
50-mile shortcut to the Pacific lying just north of the equator is
one of the most extraordinary human achievements ever. The building
of the Panama Canal was a massive feat of engineering and ingenuity
that cost millions of dollars and thousands of lives. NOVA offers a
unique opportunity to explore the mind-boggling undertaking through
historic film footage, rare archival photographs and insightful
narration from author David McCullough.
Get an unprecedented look at
the Canal's dangerous 30-year construction and wondrous present-day
operation. Meet the persevering pioneers whose vision and
determination overcame tremendous physical- and fiscal- obstacles.
Understand why France abandoned the project after ten years and
20,000 deaths. Work alongside the builders who turned a fantastic
dream into a fascinating reality. See immense steamshovels carve the
earth. View the amazing "water elevators" that lift huge vessels 85
feet. Watch high-speed photography capture a lock passage. And much
more!
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"[The palindrome is] clever, and the documentary itself is even better." - New York Times
"...uses scope and imagination to tell a compelling story..." - New York Times
"...uses some of the most interesting archival film this critic has even seen." - New York Times
"...tells the story intelligently and gracefully." - New York Times
"NOVA has done a fine piece of work." - New York Times
"...the documentary itself, although entertaining, is far from playful..." - Christian Science Monitor
