Machines | EXPO – Magic of the White City (Narrated by Gene Wilder)
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Narrated by Gene Wilder, EXPO – Magic of the White City brings the Chicago World’s Fair to life. Experience the world of 1893 through a cinematic visit to Chicago’s Columbian Exposition. Subscribe for more great documentaries! Nearly 28 million people visited the Fair. Dubbed the “White City,” it inspired future innovators like Henry Ford and Frank Lloyd Wright, unveiled the Ferris Wheel and Cracker Jack®, and, in many ways, marked the beginning of the 20th century. Many of the era’s greatest achievements in science, technology and culture were unveiled there. The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, famous for his design of New York City’s Central Park, and constructed under the supervision of Daniel Burnham. The Fair was an engineering marvel. On opening day, President Grover Cleveland depressed a golden telegraph key which sent the first courses of electricity throughout the Fair powering fountains, machines, electric railways and thousands of lights. It was the first use of electricity on such a massive scale. In addition, fairgoers enjoyed the Midway Plaisance where a one-mile boulevard of fun offered camel riding and guilty pleasures such as belly dancing, street fighting and beer drinking. Against the backdrop of 1893’s troubles with workers’ rights, prejudice, discrimination and corruption, the World’s Columbian Exposition cast a brief ray of hope for the future of humanity. Filmed in spectacular High-Definition, EXPO – Magic of the White City immerses viewers in one of the world’s biggest extravaganzas and one of the most unforgettable events in American history. There will never be another event like it… or will there?
Comments
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If I read the sources right, the Art Hall wasn't the only building to survive. The reproduction of the 'La Rabida' monastery, built as the Spanish entry to the fair was gifted to the city of Chicago after the event and today houses a children's clinic. Great documentary though!
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I really enjoyed this thank you. Its a shame they couldn't keep a few more remnants of the Exposition besides the Palace of fine arts
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What an excellent documentary! If only such wonders could be assembled in today's America without serious risk of acts of terrorism, protests of "misplaced patriotism", and, perhaps most detrimental, millions of mindless individuals glued to their smartphones and refusing to take in the wonders surrounding them. Maybe in the future, as the narrator suggests, such a marvel of American grandeur and hope can rise from the ashes of this once mighty, unified nation.
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Incredible documentary :´O
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If I could go back in time, this would be the first place I would go!
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Thank you for posting this. Annually I watch this as a remembrance of ingenuity. No longer shall I have to set up prime accounts!
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What would Frank Lloyd Wright say? Oh, Columbia!
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Chicago World's fair is one of the several reasons why the US is one the best fucking countries on the planet.
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Come with me, and you'll be free
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RIP Gene
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No flamethrowers?
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I encourage all fans of CGR to view all of Mark's work outside of CGR such as his great documentaries like this.
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Fantastic documentary!
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Looking forward to Scorsese adapting Larson's "Devil in the White City" with DiCaprio as Holmes!
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Oh yes! I have finally found this documentary. Thank you for providing this great documentary.
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wow! amazing story truly one of the greatest.....
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This fuckin slays
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Superb documentary that somehow slipped under the radar. Excellent research, fine writing and the mellifluous voice of the wonderful Mr. Wilder, married to first class images and graphics. Congratulations to everyone involved in this impressive production. And for a Chicagoan, that is high praise indeed.
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