American Experience: Ulysses S. Grant (2002)

Many historians believe Grant was a more popular figure than Abraham Lincoln throughout the 19th century. This PBS documentary helps us understand why. Grant rose from humble origins and early failures to achieve great military victories and gain the presidency, making him a symbol of the American dream for his time. He won the decisive battles of the Civil War — Vicksburg and Richmond — and accepted Lee's surrender at Appomattox. But his term in the White House was tarnished by corruption and, upon retirement, he joined a Wall Street firm that went bankrupt in scandal.

Filmmakers Elizabeth Deane and Adriana Bosch use interviews with experts and period photographs and records to make the period come alive. Grant's intelligence and tenacity as a general are contrasted with his poor judgment in finance and in his choice of business and political associates. A humble man of few words, he also proved himself to be a surprisingly talented writer when his memoirs were published.

Caddie Woodlawn (1988)

Growing up out west while the frontier was being settled was both more innocent and more dangerous than what kids face today. Caddie Woodlawn, a TV movie based on Carol Ryrie Brink's novel, dramatizes the adventures of an 11-year-old tomboy (Emily Shulman) during the mid-19th century in Wisconsin. She wrestles with problems that at first seem familiar as she cruelly teases her refined cousin from Boston and resents the object of her brother Tom's affection.

But Caddie also prefers to swim across the river to visit her Dakota Indian friend, John, rather than stay at home and knit. When a pioneer family is murdered nearby, the Indian camp where John lives is suspected of harboring the killers. Vigilantes decide to take revenge. Caddie overhears their plans and must defy her family and the settlement to prevent an unjust retribution. The film focuses more on Caddie's psychology than on the action sequences.

The Long Gray Line (1955)

As America prepares for war, its military traditions are once again an object of scrutiny. The Long Gray Line, based on Marty Maher's autobiography Bringing up the Brass, evokes the West Point mystique as seen through the eyes of a feisty Irish immigrant. During his 50-year career at the Point, Maher (Tyrone Power) rises from being “another Mick waiter” to become a much-loved athletic trainer and football coach. In the process, a hot-tempered young man matures into the mentor of several generations of cadets that include future leaders like Dwight Eisenhower (Harry Carey Jr.)

Director John Ford chronicles Maher's courtship and marriage to the fiery, religious Mary O'Donnell (Maureen O’ Hara) and the personal tragedies they endure. We also watch their contemporaries leave the Point to fight in wars and die. These heroes’ sons then grow up to serve under Marty as their fathers once did. Ford uses broad humor and sentimentality to show us that West Point is more of a giant family than an academic institution.