The Donner Party (2003)

  • NR
  • 01/14/2003 (US)
  • Documentary, History
  • 1h 30m

Overview

Doomed attempt to get to California in 1846. More than just a riveting tale of death, endurance and survival. The Donner Party's nightmarish journey penetrated to the very heart of the American Dream at a crucial phase of the nation's "manifest destiny." Touching some of the most powerful social, economic and political currents of the time, this extraordinary narrative remains one of the most compelling and enduring episodes to come out of the West.

Ric Burns

Director, Writer

Cast

David McCullough's headshot

David McCullough

Narrator (voice)
J.D. Cannon's headshot

J.D. Cannon

voice
Timothy Hutton's headshot

Timothy Hutton

voice
Gene Jones's headshot

Gene Jones

voice
Amy Madigan's headshot

Amy Madigan

voice
Donal McCann's headshot

Donal McCann

voice
George Plimpton's headshot

George Plimpton

voice
Paul Roebling's headshot

Paul Roebling

voice

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