American Dynasty

I definitely found these compelling stories of clever people building massive familial fortunes by exploiting countless people well written and tastefully executed, but cannot forgive them for overlooking one who was truly greater and more interesting than any shown, Andrew Carnegie. Very disappointing.

We really love this series. The show seems to be produced by the same group responsible for The Titans That Built America from the History Channel Network.

Each episode uses reenactments and commentary from authors, relatives, and historians, to tell the how a famous family earned their wealth and power through business dealings. The stories are not in depth because of the time allotted but they do touch on the important highlights. The production quality is pretty good with Campbell Scott doing an excellent job at narration.

We really hope this series continues with further episodes on early influential families.

The script of historical information is well thought out and presented by the narrator, however, the production and direction is lazy and superficial with frankly amateur acting and costumes that look as if the actors where part of a children's dressing up party. It also seems to be a promotional vehicle for Fox News. I found it impossible to watch more than 2 episodes at a time due to annoyance, but after a pause of a few days I did manage to watch the whole series as the subject is so interesting. Thus what could have been so good is a disappointment due to slack and lazy production and direction.

I really enjoyed every one of these stories about the great pioneers and inventors of the past in the US. Amazing how so many things we take for granted today started out in someone's mind over 100 or more years ago. From railways to motor bikes to breakfast cereal and baked beans! They took great risks but certainly made billions of dollars to leave their families who in the most part continued on with the business founded by their fathers. Some even gave huge amounts to charity in the end.

My biggest gripe is the overly loud dramatic music played at various points during the show! So loud you can't hear what the story is. Which is why I wrote this rather pedestrian review. I'm surprised there aren't more.