Summary: The story of the worst homefront disaster of World War II -- an ammunition explosion that killed more than 300 men -- and what happened to the 50 African-American men who refused to go back to work loading ammunition after the explosion.
I've been impressed with all the work I have heard from Long Haul Productions, and this documentary is a great example of the company's talents at blending intimate interviews with perfect music.
The story of Port Chicago is extraordinary in American history, because it brings so many compelling topics together - race relations, military mobilization, World War II, labor... The fact that it is not a more widely known incident is a shame, because I think it gives great lessons in all of the above topics, as well as the importance of integrity in life.
Told exclusively through the words of survivors of the blasts that killed more than 300, this radio piece is a wonderful way to learn about history - first hand through a great diversity of voices. Long Haul Productions mixes the story together with top-notch production values. It's a pleasure to listen to.
As senior producer at KALW News in San Francisco, I'm very glad we had a chance to run this story on the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. And I think it would be an excellent story for listeners to hear anytime.
Comments for The Port Chicago 50: An Oral History
This piece belongs to the series "American Worker Series"
Produced by Dan Collison
Other pieces by Long Haul Productions
Rating Summary
1 comment
Ben Trefny
Posted on August 19, 2005 at 08:30 AM | Permalink
Review of The Port Chicago 50: An Oral History
I've been impressed with all the work I have heard from Long Haul Productions, and this documentary is a great example of the company's talents at blending intimate interviews with perfect music.
The story of Port Chicago is extraordinary in American history, because it brings so many compelling topics together - race relations, military mobilization, World War II, labor... The fact that it is not a more widely known incident is a shame, because I think it gives great lessons in all of the above topics, as well as the importance of integrity in life.
Told exclusively through the words of survivors of the blasts that killed more than 300, this radio piece is a wonderful way to learn about history - first hand through a great diversity of voices. Long Haul Productions mixes the story together with top-notch production values. It's a pleasure to listen to.
As senior producer at KALW News in San Francisco, I'm very glad we had a chance to run this story on the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. And I think it would be an excellent story for listeners to hear anytime.