The World That Moses Built 1989
The World That Moses Built (1989) chronicles the remarkable career of Robert Moses, the powerful urban planner who fundamentally reshaped New York City's landscape from the 1920s through the 1960s.
Director: Edward Gray
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The World That Moses Built (1989) about?
This documentary explores the life and legacy of Robert Moses, examining how his ambitious public works projects transformed New York City's infrastructure while displacing communities and sparking debates about power and progress in urban planning.
Who directed The World That Moses Built?
The film was directed by Edward Gray, who crafted this historical documentary exploring the complex legacy of one of America's most influential urban planners.
Who stars in The World That Moses Built?
The documentary features historian David McCullough and includes appearances by Robert Moses himself, alongside archival material and expert commentary on New York's urban development.
Is The World That Moses Built (1989) worth watching?
As an unrated historical documentary, this film offers valuable insights into American urban planning and the complex legacy of Robert Moses. History enthusiasts and those interested in city development will find it particularly engaging.
How long is The World That Moses Built?
The documentary runs for 57 minutes.
About The World That Moses Built (1989) — Power, Progress, and Urban Transformation
The World That Moses Built (1989) chronicles the remarkable career of Robert Moses, the powerful urban planner who fundamentally reshaped New York City's landscape from the 1920s through the 1960s. Under director Edward Gray's careful lens, this documentary explores how Moses constructed an astonishing network of bridges, highways, parks, and cultural landmarks including Lincoln Center and the United Nations headquarters. Through archival footage and expert commentary, viewers witness the rise and eventual controversy surrounding America's most influential unelected official.
Narrated by historian David McCullough, the film presents a balanced portrait of Moses as both visionary builder and controversial figure whose massive public works projects came at a significant human cost. Entire neighborhoods were demolished, communities displaced, and the social fabric of New York forever altered in the name of progress and modernization. The documentary examines the complex tension between civic improvement and individual rights, questioning whether the price of urban transformation was too high. This compelling historical documentary offers valuable insights into American urban development and the lasting impact of one man's ambitious vision on the nation's largest city.