May 14
PBS premieres “George Marshall and the American Century,” an award-winning GM Mark of Excellence Presentation tracing the life of the man who initiated the Marshall Plan. The 90-minute documentary examines Marshall’s long and varied career; he served as chief of staff of the U.S. Army, secretary of state, secretary of defense, and president of the Red Cross. The program also looks at the Marshall Plan and its long-term impact. The special airs at 9 p.m. (EDT). Check local listings.
May 21
PBS airs “American Indian Dance Theatre: Dances for the New Generation,” a documentary that explores the way tribal dances are passed down to younger generations. The hour-long program, produced and directed by American Indians, includes powwows and other communal events. The show airs at 10 p.m. (EDT). Check local listings.
May 23
Turner Broadcasting System presents “The Lost Fleet of Guadalcanal,” a documentary that takes viewers on an expedition led by explorer Robert Ballard beneath the waters surrounding Guadalcanal, the largest of the Solomon Islands and site of fierce fighting during World War II. This National Geographic Explorer special looks at a military graveyard not seen by humans for 50 years. The two-and-a-half-hour program airs at 9 p.m. (EDT).
May 25-June 21
The Arts & Entertainment Network presents a four-part production of Charles Dickens’ classic story, A Tale of Two Cities. The hour-long shows air on consecutive Tuesdays at 7 a.m. (EDT). To place the story in its historical context, A&E also airs The French Revolution, a four-part documentary. The hour-long segments air on consecutive Mondays at 7 a.m. (EDT), beginning May 31. The programs may be videotaped and retained for classroom use for up to one year after they air. Free study guides are also available. Contact: Community Development, A&E Network, P.O. Box 1610, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 101631610.
May 26
PBS airs the finals of the National Geographic Society’s National Geography Bee. The one-hour program features the competition’s 10 finalists—students in grades 4-8— competing for scholarship prizes. Moderated by Alex Trebek, the special airs at 8 p.m. (EDT). Check local listings.
May 31
PBS airs “Women of Courage,” a one-hour special on the American women who flew military aircraft during World War II. The program uses archival footage and firsthand accounts to tell the story of this elite group of 1,074 women. The show airs at 8 p.m. (EDT). Check local listings.
