Physical Anthropology Filmography
- see also American Indians; Archaeology
updated (7/07)

Among the wild chimpanzees . National Geographic video: National Geographic Society special. 1993. 1 videocassette (59 min.). Documents Jane Goodall's twenty-two year field research on the wild chimpanzees of East Africa. Shows the chimpanzees' nomadic behavior, their family structure, and their ability to hunt and make and use tools. Also looks at discoveries of warfare and cannibalism. VHS 7836

The ancient mariners . Odyssey series. 1981. 1 videocassette (59 min.). Nautical archaeologists excavate three shipwrecks from the depths of the Eastern Mediterranean and show that these ancient ships are treasure troves of information, including the documentation of trade routes, products, and even social conditions. The three ships, dating from before 300 B.C. to 1025 A.D. tell the story of a significant change in the methods of ship construction--a change reflecting broader alterations in social, political, and economic conditions. Includes animated sequences and special sound effects, along with maps and photographs. VHS 4951

Baboon tales . 1998. 1 videocassette (52 min.). Based on 26 years of fieldwork by anthropologist/primatologist Shirley Strum, this film documents social and parenting skills of baboons toward their offspring through the first year of a newborn's life during a season of drought. VHS 6888

Beyond Africa . The making of mankind. 1981. 1 videocassette (55 min.). Richard Leakey tells the story of Peking Man, who used fire for heat and light and possibly for cooking. He also explores the increasing intelligence of our ancestors, and launches into a discussion on how and why humans began to speak. VHS 1487

Children by design . The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Discusses gene therapy and genetic engineering. VHS 2517

Children of Eve . Nova series. 1987. 1 videocassette (58 min.). Discusses the origin of the human species and natural selection. VHS 1892

Chimp talk . 2004. 1 videodisc (14 min.). Explores the controversial issue of language use by apes with primatologist Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh and Dr. Laura Ann Petitto. The results of Savage-Rumbaugh's 20-year study with chimpanzees reveal that they can use language with the astounding accuracy of a two-year-old human, which includes a rudimentary syntactical ability. However, Petitto's research indicates that humans have a cognitive predisposition for language lacking in chimps, which leads to the conclusion that although apes communicate by associating symbols with objects and actions, they do not have language abilities in the way that humans do. DVD 1419

Death at Jamestown . Secrets of the dead II. 2001. 1 videocassette (ca. 60 min.). Looks at various explanations for the large number of deaths of settlers at Jamestown, the first British colony in the New World. Reviews earlier explanations, such as starvation or diseases like malaria or typhoid fever, and examines new theories, such as sabotage through arsenic poisoning. Includes interviews with archaeologist William M. Kelso and pathologist Frank Hancock. VHS 7569

Der menschen forscher = The anthropologist . 1992. 1 videocassette (60 min.). This is a provocative and powerful film interweaving drama with documentary to profile famed Austrian anthropologist Rudolf Pöch. A major figure in the history of 20th-century European anthropology, Pöch did field work in New Guinea and the Kalahari, and during World War I, did research in POW camps studying the physical attributes of Russian prisoners. He used these studies to substantiate his theories on racial purity and superiority later used by the Nazis. The program poses a variety of questions central to the very nature of anthropology, its uses and misuses. VHS 3586

The difference between us . Race, the power of an illusion. 2003. 1 videocassette (56 min.). Part 1 of 3 'Race - The power of an illusion series' "Everyone can tell a Nubian from a Norwegian, so why not divide people into races? 'The difference between us' demonstrates how recent scientific discoveries have toppled the concept of biological race. Much of the program is devoted to understanding why. Looking at skin color differences, disease, human evolution, even genetic traits, we learn there's not one characteristic, one trait, or even a single gene that distinguishes all members of one 'race' from another. One by one, our myths about race - including 'natural' superiority and inferiority - are taken apart." -from container. A three part series exploring the history of race perceptions and behaviors towards races in the United States, within the context of recent scientific discoveries which have have toppled the concept of biological race. Episode one follows students who sequence and compare their own DNA looking for a "race marker." It also looks at the history of racism in the U.S., the advent of stereotypes based on physical attributes attributed to races and somatotypes with particular reference to African Americans. VHS 7441

Evolution . 2001. 4 videodiscs (ca. 480 min.). "Evolution" offers a groundbreaking and definitive view of the extraordinary impact the evolutionary process has had on our understanding of the world around us. Beginning with Darwin's revolutionary theory, this seven-part series explores all facets of evolution--the changes that spawned the tree of life, the power of sex, how evolution continues to affect us every day, and the perceived conflict between science and religion. VHS 6871 pt. 1-7

Following Antigone: Forensic anthropology and human rights investigations . 2002. 1 videocassette (41 min.). Depicts the history of the EAAF and shows the reasons why science is an essential part of human rights investigations, from pre-interviews and exhumations to trials and reburials. VHS 7563

Franz Boas, 1858-1942 . Odyssey series. 1980. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Profile of the German physicist who was responsible for shaping the course of American anthropology, by bringing discipline and order to a field that had previously dealt in subjective "race classification." Includes reflections and anecdotes by scholars and students, excerpts from journals and letters, and archival photographs. Discusses the Kwakiutl Indians, the principal subjects of Boas' field work. VHS 4953

The gene engineers . Nova series. 1977. 1 videocassette (58 min). Explores the scientific, moral, and legal implications of scientists' new ability to transfer genes from one creature to another. VHS 6909

Genes on trial: Genetics, behavior, and the law . Fred Friendly Seminars: Fred Friendly Seminars collection. 2002. 1 videocassette (57 min.). Could genetic research stigmatize people who carry a "bad" gene? Could the behavior actually be determined by that gene? If so, then just how free is free will? Moderated by Harvard Law School's Charles Ogletree, this Fred Friendly Seminar scrutinizes social, ethical, and legal issues involving genetic research into undesirable traits such as addiction to alcohol by exploring the relationship between the genetic basis for addiction and the limits of personal responsibility. VHS 7693

Genetic biology . 1982. 1 videocassette (16 min.). Examines two qualities essential to the existence of a species: the genetic mechanisms that preserve continuity and the mechanisms that ensure variation. Also explores recent breakthroughs of molecular genetics in the area of recombinant DNA. VHS 3929

Gorillas in the mist: The story of Dian Fossey . 1989. 1 videocassette (129 min.). Based on the true story of young anthropologist Dian Fossey who travels to the African mountains to study the rare gorillas. VHS 1301

The home planet . The Miracle planet. 1989. 1 videocassette (60 min.). As humans developed into the dominant species on the planet, they have affected and been affected by the Earth and its forces. Will the planet continue to support the human species? VHS 985

The human genome project . 1991. 1 videocassette (ca. 28 min.). Reports on a 15-year research initiative designed by the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies to identify the precise location and sequence of the 100,000 genes that comprise the 23 pairs of chromosomes. VHS 5130

The human quest with Roger Bingham . 1995. 4 videocassettes (57 min. each). Draws on recent advances in evolutionary biology and neuroscience to explore answers to the important questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? What are our prospects? Roger Bingham speaks with scientists, researchers, philosophers, and ordinary people around the world. VHS 5311-5314

The human race . 2003. 1 videodisc (57 min.). In 1990, a massive enterprise was launched to map the individual genes in the human genome. Known as the Human Genome Project, it soon turned into a race and a feud. This program tracks the progress of the endeavor, detailing the scientific innovations that led to its completion, as well as its political and economic impact. Among those who discuss the project are initial rivals Francis Collins and J. Craig Venter; Dr. John Sulston; Sir Alex Jeffreys, the discoverer of DNA fingerprinting; Nobel Laureates Fred Sanger and Jim Watson; and former President Bill Clinton. DVD 1850

A human way of life . The Making of mankind. 1981. 1 videocassette (55 min.). From bones and stones discovered on one of the oldest campsites in the world, archeologists have begun to piece together a picture of life one-and-a-half million years ago. Richard Leakey visits one of the few remaining hunter-gatherer groups left on earth. VHS 1486

In the beginning . The making of mankind. 1981. 1 videocassette (55 min.). Explains how mankind's superbly adaptable nature has contributed to our transformation from tree-dwelling, four-footed, vegetarian primates to upright, omnivorous toolmakers. VHS 1484

In search of human origins . 1994. 3 videocassettes (180 min.). In this three part series, anthropologist Donald Johanson and his team demonstrate how to collect and analyze fossil evidence. He tells of his discovery of "Lucy," which sparked a controversial change in our view of human origins. Evidence is presented that indicates the first hunter may have been Homo erectus, a later hominid. Finally, Johanson and his colleagues gather new evidence that may begin to explain the demise of the neanderthals and the origins of modern humans. Features a re-creation of ancient man's appearance by special effects artists aided by computer technology. VHS 2471-2473

The Incas . Odyssey series. 1980. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Chronicles the Inca civilization and how it was built up into one of the best run civilizations ever. Also explores how current archaeologists are attempting to better understand the inner workings of this impressive civilization. VHS 4956

The immortal thread . The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Describes the significance of DNA and genetic mapping. VHS 2511

Journey of man . 2004. 1 videodisc (120 min.). How did the human race populate the world? A group of geneticists have worked on the question for a decade, arriving at a startling conclusion: the "global family tree" can be traced to one African man who lived 60,000 years ago. Dr. Spencer Wells hosts this innovative series, featuring commentary by expert scientists, historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists. DVD 1493

Jumping genes . 1987. 1 videocassette (26 min.). Since antibiotics were introduced in the 1930's, many bacterial strains have developed resistance to several drugs. Discusses how the resistance occurs when genes are carried on short pieces of DNA that may insert into rings of extra-chromosomal DNA called plasmids. VHS 3928

Kennewick man . 2002. 1 videocassette (15 min.). Documents how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, anthropologists, the federal court, and Native Americans struggled to determine the significance and disposition of a 9,000 year old human skeleton found in 1996 along the Columbia River in Kennewick, Wash. VHS 7891

The lost vikings . 2000. 1 videocassette (approx. 60 min.). Civilization in legend and lore, a colony of Vikings in Greenland left no clues to their sudden and mysterious disappearance. Or did they? On a desolate coast of Greenland, an international team of archaeologists, forensic anthropologists, entomologists and botanists set out to investigate clues in a complex chain of events that may have led to the demise of a Viking colony. VHS 7570

Lower than the angels . Ascent of man. 1980. 1 videocassette (52 min.). Looks at the evolutionary changes which gave rise to man's superiority among the animals. VHS 1273

Making better babies: Genetics and reproduction . Fred Friendly Seminars: Fred Friendly Seminars collection. 2002. 1 videocassette (57 min.). How far should people be allowed to go in trying to have better babies? And whose definition of "better" should prevail? This Fred Friendly Seminar moderated by Dateline NBC correspondent John Hockenberry considers the ethical dilemmas facing individuals and society that grow out of prenatal testing and genetic options that may be available in the future -- such as cloning. VHS 7692

The making of mankind . 1981. 7 videocassettes (55 min. each). In this seven-part documentary, noted anthropologist Richard Leakey traces the origin and development of man from tree-dwelling, four-footed, vegetarian primates to upright, omnivorous toolmakers. VHS 1484-1490

Map of life: Science, society, and the Human Genome Project . 1992. 1 videocassette (46 min.). Reports on a 15-year research initiative designed by the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies to identify the precise location and sequence of the 100,000 genes that comprise the 23 pairs of chromosomes. Discussions by James D. Watson, Walter Gilbert, Louis Sullivan and Bernadine Healy focus on the history, scientific procedures, ethics and anticipated results of the project. VHS 1842

Mysteries of the mind . 1980. 1 videocassette (59 min.). A documentary film which looks inside the brain to examine its structures and unravel some of its mysteries. An artist's sculpture shows the chemical and electrical processes while computer graphics relate human behavior and blood flow to particular parts of the brain. Also documents feats of mind control. VHS 4345

Mystery of the black death . 2002. 1 videocassette (60 min.]. Geneticist Stephen O'Brien delves into the reasons why some individuals managed to survive the excruciating Black Death while others were dying all around them. Uses historical records, family archives, and modern genetics to conduct a case study that uncovers previously unknown elements of the scourge and its mysterious link to HIV immunity in today's population. VHS 7430

Myths and the moundbuilders . PBS Video database of America's history & culture. 1999? 1 videocassette (60 min.). Traces the various theories about the origins of the Indian mounds located in the eastern United States. Excavations of the mounds are still yielding information about the builders. VHS 4949

The nature of human nature . The Human quest. 1995. 1 videocassette (57 min.). Introduces the "second Darwinian revolution," a new understanding of the evolution of the human brain. Discusses the concept of a universal human nature that is the product of natural selection. VHS 5311

One small step-- . The making of mankind. 1981. 1 videocassette (55 min.). The oldest human footprints in the world were unearthed near Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. Also discussed are the famous "Lucy" skeleton, Ethiopian fossils and the controversy over the nature of ancient upright creatures. VHS 1485

One voice in the cosmic fugue: The shores of the cosmic ocean . Cosmos, a personal voyage . 1989. 1 videocassette (121 min.). Carl Sagan explores the origin, evolution, and diversity of life on Earth. Shores of the cosmic ocean: Via a stunning visual representation, the "cosmic zoom," the series begins with a guided tour of the universe from clusters of galaxies to the Milky Way to Earth, landing in Egypt. The discoveries of Eratosthenes are introduced--the measurement of Earth's circumference and its spherical nature. The dawn of systematic scientific research and the Alexandrian Library are discussed. The episode concludes with the "cosmic calendar," a journey through time from the Big Bang to the present. One voice in the cosmic fugue: Discusses the question of life and its origins, life on other planets, molecular biology, DNA, and how organisms have adapted to their environment. VHS 3631-3632

Origins . Science odyssey. 1998. 1 videocassette (120 min.). Series of program that chronicle twentieth-century scientific adventures including the people, breakthroughs, and social forces that have made this the most dynamic 100 years in the history of science and technology. This segment focuses on the inventors, entrepreneurs, and industrial scientists whose work fueled the 20th century's technological revolution. This segment reveals what is known about the history of the planet, the human species and life itself through the discoveries of geologists, biochemists, paleoanthropologists and others. Topics include earth sciences-- volcanoes, earthquakes, age and origin of the Earth, formation of mountains-- and life sciences, such as the legacy of Charles Darwin, DNA and RNA and the origins of life. VHS 4995

Pandora's box . 2003. 1 videodisc (57 min.). With Dr. Jim Watson as guide, this program looks into the future of genetic manipulation, exploring some of the current and proposed ways scientists hope to improve humankind. Watson feels people should be able to enhance their own genes and those of their descendants. Also looks at the work of Dr. Mario Capecchi who manipulates mouse DNA for potential benefits to humans such as using genetics to enhance intelligence. Watson also addresses some of his critics, including a family with a son who has Down syndrome, and Dr. Kay Jamison, a world expert on manic depression and a manic depressive herself. DVD 1852

Playing God . 2003. 1 videodisc (57 min.). Twenty years after the discovery of DNA's structure, another revolution swept biology when scientists began learning how to manipulate genes outright. The controversy continues to this day. This program tells the story of genetic engineering's pioneers, focusing on the race to synthesize insulin and the development of genetically modified crops. Spectacular computer animations of molecular processes are paired with commentary by key researchers. DVD 1849

Scientific American frontiers going to extremes . Scientific American frontiers. 1997. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Meet researchers and scientists exploring the inner workings of the mind, using a combination of technology and psyhological studies to find out how the human brain works. VHS 6728

The secret of life . 1993. 8 videocassettes (480 min.). This 8-part series reveals how scientists' ability to decipher and manipulate human genes will transform medicine and perhaps the human race. It chronicles the scientific findings in molecular biology through tales of discovery, personal case studies and engaging histories. Using three-dimensional animation and special photographic techniques, the series reveals an unseen world and showcases how DNA, base pairs, genes, proteins, promoters and receptors work. VHS 2511-2518

Seeking the first Americans . Odyssey series. 1980. 1 videocassette (60 min.). Who were the first Americans and when did they arrive? Archaeologists from Texas to Alaska share their search for answers to one of the most controversial questions in North American history. The earliest Americans may have arrived 20-30,000 years ago. A significant controversy has developed over the origin of Clovis Man, the one-age culture of New Mexico dated at 11,000 B.C. VHS 4952

Skin deep: The science of race . Nature of things. 1995? 1 videocassette (60 min.). Although people around the world place great significance on skin color and use it to define self image as well as to form impressions and expectations of others, the film addresses the question of whether there is any genetic (physical) basis for all the prejudice and trauma that the perception of these variations has generated or is the difference between people really only skin deep. In a search for answers, director Vishu Mathur takes viewers on a journey beneath the surface of skin color and includes interviews with UCLA physiologist and author Jared Diamond, geneticist Luca Cavalli-Sforza and African-American author Shirley Haizlip. VHS 4602

The social brain . The Human quest. 1995. 1 videocassette (57 min.). By nature, humans are a social species. Our brains are wired from birth with programs that were crucial to our distant ancestors. An yet, as history has shown, there is a dark side to the human brain. Relations between individuals and societies have been destructive as well as positive. This program shows how human evolution has equipped the species with both cooperative social skills and aggressive instincts. VHS 5312

The story of Lucy . In search of human origins. 1994. 1 videocassette (55 min.). In 1974 Don Johanson unearthed Lucy, at almost 3 million years of age, our oldest human ancestor. Lucy's tiny three-and-a-half-foot skeleton set the world of paleoanthropology on its ear. Lucy walked upright and provided evidence that a larger brain was the key difference between early man and the ape. In this film Johanson recounts his discovery of Lucy as he returns to the site of his find in Ethiopia and expounds upon the important information it still continues to generate. VHS 2471

Surviving in Africa . In search of human origins. 1994. 1 videocassette (55 min.). Paleoanthropologist Don Johanson sets out to disprove that early man's larger brain and reliance on technology are the by-products of the ability to hunt. He embarks on a journey across the Serengeti savanna of East Africa to attempt to reconstruct early man's survival behaviors. He finds food not by hunting but by scavenging off the leftovers of lions and leopards. VHS 2472

Tales of the human dawn . 1996. 1 videocassette (58 min.). Explores the on-going search for knowledge of our evolutionary beginning including cultural factors that have influenced theories of evolution as well as the role of storytelling in evolutionary interpretations. Presents humankind's various interpretations of its origin, origin myths and their implications, evidence in the fossil record of early humans and the theories that have been developed to explain those findings, and uniquely human characteristics. VHS 4703

The timeless issue of life: Evolution or creation . 1982. 1 videocassette (60 min.). A balanced and unbiased view of evolution and creation featuring eleven of the participants in the controversy: Donald Johnson, R.L. Wysong, Steven A. Austin, Wayne Moyer, Richard Bliss, Kenneth Miller, Gary Parker, David Milne, Harold Slusher, John Moore, and Duane Gish. VHS 972

Who are you?The Secret of life. 1993. 1 videocassette (60 min.). A look at the results of thousands of interviews with twins and with a few individuals. Describes how behavior springs from the complex interaction of genes, culture, experience and chance. VHS 2518

Who's afraid of designer babies? 2004. 1 videodisc (DVD) (53 min.). Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) allows scientists to screen embryos conceived through IVF. But what is the potential of this technology and who should decide how to use it? DVD 2308