Expo: Magic of the White City

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• 2005
• 1 hr 56 mins
• Documentary
• PG

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• Watchlist

Against the backdrop of 1893's troubles with workers' rights, prejudice, discrimination and corruption, the World's Columbian Exposition casts a brief ray of hope for the future of humanity. Narrated by Gene Wilder, Expo - Magic of the White City explores the world of 1893 through a cinematic visit to Chicago's Columbian Exposition. Many of the world's greatest achievements in art, architecture, science, technology and culture are unveiled there. The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, famous for his design of New York City's Central Park, and constructed under the supervision of Daniel Burnham. The Fair was an engineering marvel. On opening day, President Grover Cleveland depressed a golden telegraph key which sent the first courses of electricity throughout the Fair powering fountains, machines, electric railways and thousands of lights. It was the first use of electricity on such a massive scale. In addition, fairgoers enjoy the Midway Plaisance where a one-mile boulevard of fun offers camel riding and guilty pleasures such as belly dancing, street fighting and beer drinking. Nearly 28 million visit the "White City," which inspires future innovators like Henry Ford, Walt Disney and Frank Lloyd Wright, and debuts the Ferris Wheel and Cracker Jack . Filmed in High-Definition, Expo - Magic of the White City immerses viewers in one of the world's biggest extravaganzas and one of the most unforgettable events in American history. There will never be another event like it...or will there?