Vietnam: The Ten Thousand Day War (1980)

9.5

Vietnam: The Ten Thousand Day War, a 26-part Canadian television documentary on the Vietnam War, was produced in 1980 by Michael Maclear. The series aired in Canada on CBC Television, in the United States and in the United Kingdom on Channel 4. Maclear visited Vietnam during the production of the series and had access to film material there. He was the first Western journalist allowed to visit that area since the war. The documentary series was consolidated into 13 hour-long episodes for American television syndication. The series was released on videocassette format by Embassy and won a National Education Association award for best world documentary. Series writer Peter Arnett was an Associated Press reporter in Vietnam from 1962 to 1975. CBC aired only 18 of the episodes during the 1980-81 season because the series production was incomplete. The remaining episodes were broadcast during CBC's 1981-82 season.

Seasons

1. America in Vietnam

America in Vietnam Discusses how the war has affected America, Asia and the world and what has become of the principal figures in the conflict. France in Vietnam France's involvement in Vietnam from the end of WW2 to gathering at Dien Bien Phu.

2. Dien Bien Phu

Dien Bien Phu The historic battle that led to the withdrawal of French forces from Vietnam. Early Hope The US continues to back the South Vietnamese government against a growing Communist threat.

3. Days of Decision

Assassination The American government wavers in its support of President Diem Days of Decision President Johnson makes two important decisions that change the course of history.

4. Uneasy Allies

Westy's War General Westmoreland and the President commit increasing ground troops in Vietnam. Uneasy Allies The sudden presence of 500,000 American troops and their affluence proves culturally overwhelming to the South Vietnamese, causing envy, corruption and a rift in the alliance that is never fully healed.

5. The Guerilla Society

Guerilla Society North Vietnam lived under a state of war for decades. The Trail An expedition down the Ho Chi Minh Trail, examining the jungle and mountain paths that were used as Communist supply routes linking North and South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

6. Firepower

Firepower The costly US firepower advantage allowed them to win battles, but not decide the war. The Village War Without peasant support, neither side can win the war.

7. Tet!

The Air War Helicopters, airplanes and bombs played an important role in the Vietnam war. Siege US forces endure 77 days of siege at Khe Sanh.

8. Frontline America

9. Soldiering On

10. The Village War

11. Peace

12. Surrender

13. The Unsung Soldiers

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