"Kennywood Memories" is one of the earliest documentaries from PBS in Pittsburgh and Rick Sebak. Originally, it was shown on local television (WQED) and was subsequently shown on PBS stations all over the country. Like Sebak's other documentaries, it's high on nostalgia and charm. Additionally, it's a great look at Americana--our history that is rarely talked about in history books because it's popular culture history (which SHOULD be talked about more as real history).
This particular documentary is about one place--Kennywood Amusement Park, which is just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's one of the oldest surviving amusement parks in the country. What also sets it apart is that many of the older rides have not been replaced and the park is a nice combination of the old and new.
The film discusses the history of the park, interviews customers and workers and waxes poetical about the great attributes of the park. Although the show is light and fun, it is also very interesting and will most likely put a smile on your face. Very well-crafted and worth seeing...twice. And, for that matter, so are most of Sebak's films-- including an overview of many old parks in "Great Old Amusement Parks".
By the way, if you get the DVD you can see an introduction by Sebak and the disc has a few extras--such as a promo of "Great Old Amusement Parks" as well as old Kennywood TV commercials. If, after you've finished all this and you want to know more, check out the Wikipedia page--it gives LOTS of detailed about the park and every ride--both defunct and currently in use at Kennywood. Finally, although IMDb lists this as a two hour show, it is one.
This particular documentary is about one place--Kennywood Amusement Park, which is just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's one of the oldest surviving amusement parks in the country. What also sets it apart is that many of the older rides have not been replaced and the park is a nice combination of the old and new.
The film discusses the history of the park, interviews customers and workers and waxes poetical about the great attributes of the park. Although the show is light and fun, it is also very interesting and will most likely put a smile on your face. Very well-crafted and worth seeing...twice. And, for that matter, so are most of Sebak's films-- including an overview of many old parks in "Great Old Amusement Parks".
By the way, if you get the DVD you can see an introduction by Sebak and the disc has a few extras--such as a promo of "Great Old Amusement Parks" as well as old Kennywood TV commercials. If, after you've finished all this and you want to know more, check out the Wikipedia page--it gives LOTS of detailed about the park and every ride--both defunct and currently in use at Kennywood. Finally, although IMDb lists this as a two hour show, it is one.