Great Indian leaders & nations

First released in 1994 and 1995, the two programs that make up Great Indian Leaders & Nations comprise a solid introduction to the topic, recounting from the native perspective the last decades of independence before expanding dominance by the U.S. government and society. Although necessarily selective, the collective portrait here is surprisingly varied. Tactics of resistance-both armed and peaceful-to adaptation and assimilation and achievements of culture and government are recounted in the fates of Crazy Horse, Chief Joseph, Geronimo, and Quanah Parker and of the Iroquois, Seminole, Navajo, Cheyenne, and Lakota. Appealing narration by Barry LeBeau is rooted in documentary fact and illustrated by historical photos and film, reenactments, and evocative videography of the land across which the story unfolds. Both programs are a start to further inquiry and easily appreciated by viewers from young adult and up. The Indian Picture Opera expresses a pro-Indian perspective from the past. In the early 1900s, distinguished photographer Edward S. Curtis undertook the work of his 20--volume masterpiece, The North American Indian. Curtis's subscription publication could only be afforded by the wealthy. To promote it, in 1911-12 he assembled and toured a "magic lantern" slide show in which many of his images were thematically organized and linked by an often poetic narration. The modern "re-creation" on DVD uses the images, commentary, and music composed for the show, sparingly embellished with computer graphics. Mark Middler's narration (representing Curtis) is a canny performance, replete with breathing and hesitations in the verbal rhythms that make the voice feel "live." Included also is historical context for the modern viewer. If not quite the show seen by audiences a century ago, this still conveys Curtis's intention to commemorate people who were "passing into the darkness of an unknown future." Suitable for all audiences.-Jeff Clark, James Madison Univ. Libs., Harrisonburg, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.