Watch American Experience: The Secret of Tuxedo Park

The American Experience: The Secret of Tuxedo Park is a captivating and informative documentary that tells the story of one of America's most brilliant and enigmatic scientists, Alfred Lee Loomis. The film takes viewers on a journey through the life and accomplishments of Loomis, a self-made millionaire who used his wealth and scientific expertise to help shape some of the most important events of the 20th century.

The Secret of Tuxedo Park begins by introducing viewers to the private world of Alfred Loomis, a man who few outside of his inner circle knew much about. Through interviews with historians, scientists, and Loomis's children and grandchildren, the film offers glimpses into the life of this remarkable man and the impact he had on science and society.

Born in 1887, Alfred Loomis grew up in a world that was still largely defined by horse-drawn carriages and gas lamps. But even as a young man, Loomis was fascinated by science and the possibilities it held for the future. After graduating from Yale and attending law school at Harvard, Loomis made his fortune on Wall Street, becoming one of the most successful and respected investors of his day.

But Loomis was not content to merely live a life of luxury and privilege. Instead, he devoted himself to scientific research, working tirelessly in his private laboratory in New York's Tuxedo Park to explore the frontiers of physics, chemistry, and medicine. His work and his discoveries would have a profound impact on everything from radar to the atomic bomb.

The Secret of Tuxedo Park goes into great detail about Loomis's most notable accomplishments. One of his most famous inventions was the LORAN (long-range navigation) system, which helped guide Allied ships and planes during World War II. He also played a pivotal role in the development of radar, which proved to be a critical technological advantage for the Allies during the war.

The film also explores Loomis's relationship with some of the most famous scientists of his time. He worked closely with Albert Einstein, who spent time at Tuxedo Park and referred to Loomis as "the greatest experimental physicist in the world." Loomis also collaborated with Enrico Fermi, who would go on to build the first nuclear reactor, and Robert Oppenheimer, who led the Manhattan Project that developed the atomic bomb.

But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of The Secret of Tuxedo Park is the way it delves into Loomis's private life and the motivations behind his scientific pursuits. Despite his many accomplishments, Loomis remained a deeply private and somewhat mysterious figure. The film explores his relationships with his family and friends, giving viewers a sense of the man behind the science.

Ultimately, The Secret of Tuxedo Park is a fascinating exploration of one man's contributions to science and society. Alfred Lee Loomis was a brilliant and visionary thinker who used his wealth and intellect to push the boundaries of what was possible. The film is a tribute to his life and legacy, and a reminder of the power of scientific inquiry to shape our world.

American Experience: The Secret of Tuxedo Park is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 53 minutes.