This July 4th, PBS stations aired the critically acclaimed, award-winning Janson Media documentary The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America. The comprehensive film tells the story of the Gateway’s conception by Finnish architect Eero Saarinen and the details of its two and a half year construction. Despite a limited budget and the premature death of Saarinen four years before its completion, The Gateway Arch went on to become not only the most recognizable icon of St. Louis, but an international symbol of the United States (the country’s tallest monument). Viewers that missed the program’s PBS airing can purchase the DVD, now available on amazon.com.
The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America chronicles for the first time the complete story of this great American symbol… from Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and St. Louis’ role in westward expansion; to the eventual construction of the largest stainless steel structure in history. The film is narrated by Academy Award-winner and St. Louis native Kevin Kline and produced by Civil Pictures, producers of the international award-winning documentary The World’s Greatest Fair. Among the documentary’s awards and accolades are 4 Mid America Emmy Awards, 2 International AVA Awards, a Telly Award, Davey Award and a Riverfront Times “Best of St. Louis” Award.
Civil Pictures is a nonprofit company dedicated to preserving history through cinema. Its goal is always to engage, to entertain, to inspire, and, most importantly, to educate a diverse local, national and international audience.
