Showdown at Little Big Horn

[Scout]

PBS produced one of their ''American Experience'' shows awhile back on Custer and the LBH...seems like the name was something like Showdown at the LBH or something like it, but nothing on Custer pops up on the PBS site. I want to order the DVD but can't find it...as I remember it was pretty good. Anyone know what I'm talking about or can help?

[Diane Merkel]

Scout, I think you mean "Last Stand at Little Big Horn." I found it in the American Experience series. There's a thread about it in the "Other Media" board below this one. --Diane

[bhist]

Actually, Scout is correct – the production he is seeking is one I’ve wanted for a long time. I think I have it somewhere on video but haven’t tried to find it. It was produced in the days when David McCullough was the host of “American Experience.” It was released in 1984 – I remember that because when I worked at the battlefield in the summer of 1985 I came across the script in the archives.

This episode was the VERY FIRST documentary that covered the archeological digs of 1983 as well as the Battle of the Little Bighorn. It would be a treasure to have because it includes Neil Mangum (then Chief Historian) walking over the battlefield with McCullough while discussing the battle. The footage was stunning – camera pans following along side the two as they walked throughout the battlefield.

The script I saw had Neil’s handwriting all over it – the producers depended on Neil to correct their errors. As far as I know, no DVD or even a video was produced of the program – that was back in the days before a VCR was in every household. And, especially before any one ever dreamed they would buy a video of a television program -- in those days people ordered transcripts of the broadcasts.

[bhist]

Well, I actually found it. My memory was a bit off, however, it’s still sharp enough to find the video that I’d forgotten I had a long time ago.

It aired in early 1985 on “Smithsonian World” – one of the other PBS programs David McCullough hosted. Boy, is it fun to watch – fun to see how people have changed over the years.

It’s a 30-minute production – again, the very first documentary for television to focus not only on the battle but the archeological digs. It includes outstanding helicopter footage and the artwork of Leonard Baskin.

The people interviewed in order are: Joe Medicine Crow, Douglas Scott (very young with a full beard), Alvin Josephy, Jr., Neil Mangum, Austin Two Moons, and Dr. Clyde Snow.

It concludes with Neil and McCullough walking inside the fence and finally with Josephy and McCullough walking in the cemetery, at West Point, to Custer’s grave.

[Scout]

Thanks for the correct name Bob....' Last Stand at Little Big Horn' and yes I found the DVD on Amazon for $17.99...It apparently won an 3 Emmy Awards, A Peabody Award, a Western Writers Award and a number of others. Can't understand why this didn't pop up on the PBS store website since they produce the American Experience series. Also available is the 'Betrayal at Little Big Horn' DVD which if memory serves is based on the Nightengale book which I had on tape at one point. Thanks for the info.

[Scout]

...and much thanks to you to Diane. You are the ultimate 'go to source'.

[bhist]

Hey Scout – I think I need to clarify. I wrote my posts in the middle of the night.

The production I write about is not “Last Stand at the LBH” produced for “American Experience”, released in 1992 with McCullough as the host. The production I described was for PBS’s “Smithsonian World”, with McCullough, released in 1985.

[Diane Merkel]

Scout --

You are correct that Betrayal at Little Big Horn is based on Nightengale's theory. Chuck and Doug Scott didn't agree with Nightengale's theory, which was the whole point of the episode, so they only got a few minutes of air-time each.

Please let me know if the portrait will be ready anytime soon!

Diane