Watch The Day the '60s Died

The Day the '60s Died is a compelling documentary film that takes viewers back to a time of unrest and rebellion in America. The show is based on the events of May 4, 1970, when Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire on a crowd of unarmed students at Kent State University, killing four young people and injuring nine others.

The show features interviews with eyewitnesses and participants in the event, including Gregory Antoine, a former member of the Black Panther Party who was present on the Kent State campus that day. Antoine offers a firsthand account of the tensions that had been building on campus for weeks prior to the shooting, as students protested against the Vietnam War and other social and political issues that were dividing the nation.

Terry Braun, a former Kent State student who was also present on the day of the shooting, provides a uniquely personal perspective on the tragedy. She recounts her experiences leading up to the event, including her involvement in organizing peaceful demonstrations, and shares her memories of the chaos that erupted when the National Guardsmen opened fire.

Pat Buchanan, a political commentator and former advisor to Presidents Nixon and Reagan, provides a broader context for the events of May 4, 1970. He explains how the Vietnam War, civil rights movement, and other social and political changes of the time had created a climate of intense division and mistrust in America, and how the Kent State shooting served as a turning point in the nation's history.

Throughout the show, viewers are presented with a rich tapestry of archival footage, including news reports, photographs, and footage shot by student filmmakers who were on the scene that day. This footage provides a visceral and emotional connection to the events of the Kent State shooting and the broader social and political upheaval of the 1960s.

The Day the '60s Died is not just a historical retelling of the Kent State tragedy, but a thought-provoking examination of the political and cultural forces that led to it. Viewers are challenged to consider the complex and often conflicting factors that shaped the era, from the anti-war movement to the rise of the conservative movement, and to question what lessons can be learned from the events of May 4, 1970.

Overall, The Day the '60s Died is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that offers a deep and nuanced understanding of one of the defining moments of America's recent past. Through compelling interviews, stunning archival footage, and insightful analysis, the show illuminates the many forces that shaped the era and the tragic consequences that resulted. Whether viewers lived through the events of the 1960s or are simply interested in understanding this pivotal time in history, The Day the '60s Died is a compelling and deeply moving film that is not to be missed.

The Day the '60s Died is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between April 28, 2015 and on PBS