American Cultural Center to Present Part Three of "The American President," a Film Series by Philip and Peter Kunhardt

PR0420E | Date: 2004-04-16

On April 22 (Thursday), the AIT American Cultural Center will show part three of "The American President" from 6:30pm - 8:35 pm. Part three includes "The American Way" and "The World Stage," the fifth and sixth episodes of the 10-hour series. This documentary series is the first to examine the 41 former U.S. presidents and to provide an overarching look at America's highest office. Each episode is arranged thematically, rather than chronologically, and juxtaposes the careers of four presidents who may have lived in different centuries or held different political beliefs, but who nevertheless share a defining aspect of what the country looks for in its leaders. These groupings render fascinating comparisons on familiar figures, as well as on the presidency itself.

Episode Five, "The American Way", profiles Thomas Jefferson, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover and Ronald W. Reagan. Presidents are expected to bring to office a particularly strong sense of national mission. The four presidents chronicled in this episode may have understood the special character of America in different ways, but in each case a belief that there was a distinctly American way of doing things guided their decisions.

Episode Six, "The World Stage", profiles James Monroe, William McKinley, Woodrow Wilson and George Bush. The President has no greater responsibility than representing the USA on the world stage. Securing a stable world is also a basic part of the President's job description. These four men engaged in this task, at critical times, and their achievements on the world stage are their most durable legacy.

Relevant books and materials will also be on display at the American Cultural Center Resource Service, adjacent to the screening room.

The remaining two parts will be shown every other week, on Thursday, in May. The complete film program schedule, with episode summaries, is available on request.

The American Cultural Center is located in Suite 2101, 21F, International Trade Building, No. 333, Keelung Road, Section 1, Taipei. The fprogram is open to the public without charge. Pre-registration is suggested to ensure a seat and an information packet on the relevant episodes. To indicate your interest, or obtain more information including a complete film schedule of the series, please contact Ms. Vicky Tsao ext. 283; fax 2725-2644; e-mail: taipei@mail.ait.org.tw.