Man, Moment, Machine

Watch Man, Moment, Machine

  • 2005
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.6  (63)

Man, Moment, Machine is an American television series produced by History Channel starring Hunter Ellis. The show aired from 2005 to 2007 and featured 23 episodes. Each episode of this show focuses on the combination of three essential elements - man, the moment, and machine. The series attempts to showcase how history has been influenced and shaped by significant breakthroughs in technology, science, or engineering. The episodes take viewers through a thrilling journey that sheds light on how ordinary humans have invented and utilized modern-day machines to accomplish incredible tasks, accomplish colossal feats, or alter the course of history with their creations.

Hunter Ellis, the show's host, present the series in a documentary style that employs elaborate visuals, special effects, and dramatized sequences to bring the stories to life. He takes viewers back in time to explore a specific moment in history and then crafts a compelling narrative that explains how the machine of the time was crucial to the people and events of that moment.

The series covers several iconic moments in history, such as the moment the Hoover Dam was built, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. The show also covers lesser-known events, such as the first transatlantic cable, the development of the US Navy's first submarine, and the invention of the printing press.

Each episode is self-contained and explores the unique challenges and innovations that took place at the moment, highlighting how technology has been instrumental in the success of each project. The show's frequent use of archival footage, coupled with innovative dramatizations, aids viewers in immersing themselves in the artist's story.

Hunter Ellis does an excellent job of steering the narrative with his on-screen charisma, intelligence, and enthusiasm about the projects he is discussing. He is a skilled host who evokes a sense of wonder and awe through his narration. Ellis's involvement with the show is probably the highlight of Man, Moment, Machine as his infectious passion injects a sense of emotional investment into the episodes that would have been lacking otherwise.

The producing team behind the series also deserves some credit, as they have done a superb job of bringing together a wealth of historical footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories to make the episodes concise, insightful, and technically awe-inspiring. At the same time, they ensure the episodes are entertaining enough for all viewers.

Although certain episodes of the show can be overly dramatic or embellished, the informative aspects of Man, Moment, Machine remain strong. The insightful narratives and creative visuals that accompany the show are redeeming and make it worth watching for history lovers and machine enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Man, Moment, Machine is an engaging and informative series that explores how technological innovations have impacted human events throughout history. By focusing on the interplay between man, moment, and machine, the show provides viewers with unique perspectives on both the technical and human aspects of certain events. As such, it is an excellent choice for anyone interested in technology, engineering, and history.

Man, Moment, Machine
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Seasons
Enzo Ferrari and the Historic Race
13. Enzo Ferrari and the Historic Race
January 30, 2007
1951 - the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, England. One man - Enzo Ferrari - will push his team to the brink for a win. His machine, the 375 Formula One racecar, has enough performance and power to be competitive. But Ferrari is going up against the world champion Alfa Romeo team and their driver, Juan Manuel Fangio, widely considered to be the best Formula One driver in the world. Ferrari is betting his reputation, and perhaps his future as an automaker, on a strategy he considers a secret weapon - his car should need less fuel to make it through the race than the car of his nemesis, Alfa Romeo. If he's right, he could win the race and make a name for himself, if he's wrong, it could be another humiliating and devastating defeat.
JFK and the Crisis Crusader
12. JFK and the Crisis Crusader
January 16, 2007
October 1962 - For thirteen days a desperate showdown puts the world on the brink of nuclear war. One man hopes to end this high-stakes gamble, but President John F. Kennedy can not afford to make any mistakes. Only one machine can make this happen, the RF-8 Crusader, capable of low-level reconnaissance photography needed to prove what the Soviet Union is up to on Castro's Cuba. Failure is unthinkable.
Galileo and the Sinful Spyglass
11. Galileo and the Sinful Spyglass
January 9, 2007
January 7, 1610 - Galileo, one of history's most brilliant men, trains a new invention on the night sky. His machine is the telescope, and what it reveals will challenge the Church's view of the universe and the very word of God. Galileo is about to unlock the secrets of the heavens, but his work will put him in mortal danger and lead him to a pivotal moment of trial by the Holy Roman Inquisition.
Saddam Hussein and the Nerve Gas Atrocity
10. Saddam Hussein and the Nerve Gas Atrocity
January 2, 2007
March 16th, 1988 – In the Iraqi city of Halabja thousands unknowingly face a hellish death. The man responsible for this unspeakable horror is notorious Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. In an act of brutality he unleashes a massive chemical weapons attack designed to wipe-out an entire city of innocent civilians.
The Red Baron and the Wings of Death
9. The Red Baron and the Wings of Death
December 12, 2006
April 1917 - the most feared pilot of World War I is at the controls of the best fighter plane of the day. A 24-year-old legend at the top of his game, Manfred Von Richthofen is up against a new generation of enemy aircraft. It will demand all of the Red Baron's considerable skill just to survive.
Da Vinci and the Handgun
8. Da Vinci and the Handgun
December 5, 2006
February 18, 1563 - Orleans, France - An assassin lies in wait for his victim. In the killer's hand is a deadly new weapon, a machine that can destroy lives in a flash. He hopes to strike a blow for religious freedom. His weapon is an invention from the master of art and engineering, Leonardo Da Vinci. It is a device so fearsome that European rulers move to ban it. In the hands of this assassin it will eliminate the Duke of Guise and raise the stakes in France's long and bloody civil war.
Alexander Graham Bell and the Astonishing Telephone
7. Alexander Graham Bell and the Astonishing Telephone
November 28, 2006
March 1876 - Alexander Graham Bell struggles with an invention that may change the world. Early nineteenth century America is experiencing an explosive growth and expansion across a vast landscape. A technology is needed to meet the communication needs for this new nation, and Bell is convinced that he can transmit speech over great distances. Early telegraphs can only transmit one message over one wire at one time, and the message must be coded and decoded one letter at a time. Bell begins work on a multiple telegraph, but his genius will lead to a different revolutionary device that will carry thousands of simultaneous messages and shape the future - the telephone.
Lincoln and the Flying Spying Machine
6. Lincoln and the Flying Spying Machine
November 21, 2006
Recalling Abraham Lincoln's dependence on hot-air balloons equipped with a telegraph to report on enemy movement during the Civil War.
Stormin' Norman and the Stealth Fighter
5. Stormin' Norman and the Stealth Fighter
November 14, 2006
Recalling the beginning of Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf's reliance on the F-117 stealth fighter.
Al Capone and the Machine Gun Massacre
4. Al Capone and the Machine Gun Massacre
November 7, 2006
The 1929 St. Valentine's Day Massacre, orchestrated by Al Capone and executed with the use of the Thompson submachine gun, is recalled.
Alexander the Great and the Devastating Catapult
3. Alexander the Great and the Devastating Catapult
October 31, 2006
Alexander the Great's siege of Tyre in 332 B.C., and his soldiers' dependence on the catapult to conquer the city are examined.
Patton and the Desperate Tank Attack
2. Patton and the Desperate Tank Attack
October 24, 2006
The tide has suddenly turned in the war in Europe on December 16, 1944. The hard-hit German Army has secretly assembled a massive force. They slam through woods in Belgium-Luxemburg and hit the Allies with a steel fist. In the middle of one of the coldest winters in history, the front line is buckling. The enormous bulge in Allied lines gives the battle its name. The 101st Airborne Division and elements of Patton's 10th Armored Division are rushed to stop the onslaught. In the town of Bastogne, the Germans surround the Americans and begin to tighten the noose. It looks like no one can relieve them until the Americans send in their most aggressive warrior - George S. Patton - to beat back the enemy assault with the best machine in his arsenal - the M-4 Sherman tank.
Apollo 13: Triumph on the Dark Side
1. Apollo 13: Triumph on the Dark Side
October 17, 2006
Recalling the 1970 Apollo 13 mission under the command of Capt. James Lovell. An explosion crippled the spacecraft and the three astronauts endured the grave situation before returning safely home.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    August 7, 2005
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (63)