The Living Century

Being a native of Boston, I feel a kindred spirit with the late Jack Lemmon. It is such a great loss. Coincidentally, I just watched The Living Century. Jack Lemmon is the host of the film and gives such an eloquent and beautiful introduction. This show has so much meaning to me; even more so now. Here's Jack introducing stories about people who are living vibrant lives at 100, and then passing away a quarter of a century earlier than he should have!

I did some research and found that his on-screen piece in The Living Century was his last perfomance. I can't think of a better or more meaningful project for him to have been a part of. It is just another quality work that he put his name on and will be remembered by.

Thank you Jack for all the memories. You will live forever.

Kudos to the producers of this show. Entertaining and inspirational. Think of your favorite biography, then multiply it by 100. I have recommended The Living Century to all of my friends. Barbra Streisand continues her quest for perfection with this series. Jack Lemmon gives a wonderful introduction to the elegant storytelling (look for the Poet Laureate - he's my favorite!) After watching, you'll want to live to 100!

After being fed up with The History Channel, The Learning Channel and A&E (they have opted for young male testosterone shows), I have been spending more time watching PBS. I was mesmerized by some fantastic films by the Living Century that I stumbled upon. The ones that I saw were biographies of people over 100 years old - a woman who survived the Trinagle Factory fire and a man who helped invent the atomic bomb. What I loved about these films is how sophisticated they were (no wonder, Babs is producing them!) The music was great, as well as the old film footage. I was so moved by the family interviews and how active and interesting the main subjects are. The woman is taking Spanish lessons and the man is working at a university. Needless to say, I got sucked in and was moved to tears one moment and laughing the next. It really is a viewing experience that sticks with you. It makes you look forward to aging. You really have to see these to know what I'm talking about. They are really wonderful. Keep up the good work Ms. Streisand! Will we see you or hear you sing in the next Living Century film?!

Candidly, I usually only write to companies when I have a complaint, but this is an exception. My parents told me about the Living Century films and asked me to watch them (when was the last time your parents recommended something to watch?!) I promised, so I made my son and wife watch with me and was completely mesmerized. I've only seen two of them. There a half hour long and I was so moved by this that I felt compelled to write this and recommend it to everyone - kids, grandparents, prison inmates, etc. A survivor of the Triangle fire in New York who speaks spanish at 106. THis woman reminded me of my great-grandmother. And the other film about a guy who helped invent the atomic bomb - he;s teaching about the environment now - at 100!! Make sure you tape this show, you'll wnat to watch it again and again. I went to the century's web site and it looks like they are doing more of these films. Please make as many as you can. It needs to be seen by everyone. THis is an important film project. I find myself talking about the people I have seen and am surprised by how many have either seen it or know about it. Compared to the junk on tv, this really stands out. I gave it a 10 on the voting guide. Thank you for doing this.

It is refreshing to see an artistically creative television show that honors seniors in such a wonderful and enlightening way. I know several women over 100 who have led extraordinary lives, but I would not have thought that television producers would be interested in telling these stories. I am very glad that Barbra Streisand, Jack Lemmon and the other television producers took the time and effort to tell the stories of people who lived the entire 20th Century and can tell us first-hand about their experiences.

The shows, I have seen two episodes to date, are beautiful to watch with very interesting storytelling. I have recommended these shows to my family and friends. The time is right for a show like this. I hope to see more episodes air soon.