Middletown
7 Episodes
Inspired by the studies of Robert and Helen Lynd in 1929 and 1935, this classic six-part series by Academy Award and Emmy winner Peter Davis (HEARTS AND MINDS) explores both the continuity and the change embodied in the people and institutions of one Midwestern community: Muncie, Indiana.
"MIDDLETOWN is a masterpiece, one of the most important films ever made of the American experience."—Boston Globe
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1:17:15Episode 1
The Campaign
Episode 1
Directed by Tom Cohen • Documentary • 1982 • 90 minutes
Part of the acclaimed Middletown series.
Focusing on a mayoral race in Muncie, Indiana, THE CAMPAIGN follows closely the personalities, strategies, and pressures of an American political contest. In particular, it examines the sharply cont...
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58:05Episode 2
The Big Game
Episode 2
Directed by E. J. Vaughn • Documentary • 1982 • 60 minutes
Part of the acclaimed Middletown series.
As Muncie Central and Anderson High prepare to meet for the annual basketball game, a game charged with the spirit of long-established rivalry, THE BIG GAME examines what this competition, and th...
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59:08Episode 3
Community of Praise
Episode 3
Directed by Richard Leacock and Marisa Silver • Documentary • 1982 • 60 minutes
Part of the acclaimed Middletown series.
COMMUNITY OF PRAISE examines faith at work in the lives of a family. Their fundamentalist beliefs shape their encounters with the emergencies and the ordinary problems of dai...
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1:26:55Episode 4
Family Business
Episode 4
Directed by Tom Cohen • Documentary • 1982 • 90 minutes
Part of the acclaimed Middletown series.
Howie Snyder is an archetype: a retired Marine colonel in his mid 40s, he is an American entrepreneur struggling to make his business succeed.
Howie's Shakey's Pizza franchise in Muncie, Indiana em...
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58:02Episode 5
Second Time Around
Episode 5
Directed by Peter Davis and John Lindley • Documentary • 1982 • 60 minutes
Part of the acclaimed Middletown series.
Focusing on the wedding arrangements of David and Elaine, each of whom is a divorcee, SECOND TIME AROUND presents the complexities of contemporary marriage in the United States.
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Seventeen
Episode 6
Directed by Joel DeMott and Jeff Kreines • Documentary • 1982 • 120 minutes
Part of the acclaimed Middletown series.
In their final year at Muncie's Southside High School, a group of seniors hurtles toward maturity with a combination of joy, despair, and an aggravated sense of urgency. They are...
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01:39Episode 7
Middletown - Interview with Peter Davis
Episode 7
A short clip of Peter Davis discussing Middletown.