Watch American Experience: The Bombing of Wall Street

In American Experience: The Bombing of Wall Street, viewers are taken back to 1920 when a bomb exploded on Wall Street killing more than thirty people and injuring hundreds. The documentary film, narrated by actor Oliver Platt, explores the events leading up to the bombing, the aftermath, and the investigation that eventually led to the perpetrators.

The film begins by setting the stage for the time period, detailing the political unrest and social tensions that were present in the aftermath of World War I. Labor strikes, anarchist movements, and a general sense of disillusionment were common themes, and the film does an excellent job of bringing these issues to life for viewers.

The narrative then moves to the day of the bombing. We see the hustle and bustle of Wall Street, hear the words of eyewitnesses, and are shown the chaos and devastation in the aftermath of the explosion. It's a powerful sequence that sets the stage for the rest of the film.

From here, American Experience: The Bombing of Wall Street delves deeper into the investigation. We learn about the various suspects and the different theories that were floated at the time. We see how the investigation was complicated by the fact that there were few leads and little evidence to go on.

The film also spends time exploring the impact of the bombing on both the business community and the wider public. We hear the words of Wall Street brokers and executives who were shaken by the attack, and we see how the incident fueled fears of communism and anarchist movements in the United States.

One of the strengths of American Experience: The Bombing of Wall Street is its focus on the human element. The film does an admirable job of profiling the victims of the bombing, showing the toll that the attack took on families and communities.

The documentary also sheds light on the lives of the perpetrators. Through interviews with historians and experts, we learn about the motivations and ideologies of those who carried out the bombing. The narrative is nuanced and complex, showing that the issue was never as black and white as it might have seemed at the time.

Throughout the film, there are plenty of historical details and facts that will surprise even those who consider themselves well-versed in American history. From the use of early forensic techniques to the political fallout from the bombing, there is a lot to learn and take in.

Overall, American Experience: The Bombing of Wall Street is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history or true crime. The film expertly weaves together archival footage, expert interviews, and dramatic re-creations to bring the story to life. The result is a gripping and informative look at a pivotal moment in American history.

American Experience: The Bombing of Wall Street is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 52 hours.