1. New York: Part I - The Country and the City
Aired: Nov 14, 1999Episode one begins in 1609 and chronicles the arrival of the Dutch.
Mandy Patinkin narrates a biography of Harry Houdini (1874-1926) that focuses on his amazing feats (later ones are seen in clips; others are re-created) and the obsessions---notably his mother and death---that shaped his personality. "Escapology" was also high on the list. "He was so insanely devoted to what he did," observes author E.L. Doctorow, "that the ultimate insanity of his life never occurred to him."
Current Status: Currently Airing
Network: PBS
Production Country: United States
Genres:Documentary, History, Biography