The BEST episodes of Biography season 1997

#1 - Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down the Line

Season 1997 - Episode 13 - Aired 5/12/1997

#2 - Dow and Jones: Wizards of Wall Street

Season 1997 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/5/1997

This episode of Biography tells the fascinating story of Charles Dow and Edward Jones and the flabbergasting financial circus they launched. Distributed by A&E Television Networks.

#3 - Andrew Cunanan

Season 1997 - Episode 27 - Aired 9/17/1997

Andrew Cunanan was a serial murder who killed fashion designer Gianni Versace, and at least four other people, before committing suicide in a Miami houseboat.

#4 - Frank Costello: Prime Minister of the Mob

Season 1997 - Episode 28 - Aired 9/24/1997

A look at the life of Frank Costello, kingpin of organized crime and corruption in New York City during the 1940's. He was a major force within the corrupt government of New York City at that time.

#5 - Neil Simon: The People's Playwright

Season 1997 - Episode 41 - Aired 11/12/1997

He is the most prolific and commercially successful playwright in Broadway history. But even though there is a theater named after him, some question whether his plays belong on the Great White Way today. Neil Simon survived a stormy childhood by escaping into books, movies and his imagination. His gift of invention landed him a job as a writer for Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows when he was in his 20s. Soon, his plays were on Broadway and he was the toast of the town. Through extensive interviews with those who know him best, BIOGRAPHY® presents a fascinating chronicle of the man behind such hits as Barefoot in the Park, Plaza Suiteand Biloxi Blues. See clips from the film adaptations of his most popular plays and learn why some feel that Simon no longer belongs on Broadway. From The Odd Couple to the Pulitzer Prize winning Lost in Yonkers, this is the complete story of the man behind some of the most beloved plays of all time.

#6 - Ivan the Terrible: Might and Madness

Season 1997 - Episode 29 - Aired 9/29/1997

He was the first Tsar of Russia. He killed his own son and even had several of his wives murdered. He resorted to torture, exile, and imprisonment to repress those who stood against him. But the ruler known as "Ivan the Terrible" also established sweeping reforms that helped bring his nation out of the Dark Ages.

#7 - Hail Caesar: Julius Caesar

Season 1997 - Episode 30 - Aired 10/5/1997

Considered an upstart, Julius Caesar becomes the first Roman emperor.

#8 - Hail Caesar: Augustus

Season 1997 - Episode 31 - Aired 10/6/1997

Caesar Augustus stabilizes Rome; Pax Romana.

#9 - Hail Caesar: Nero

Season 1997 - Episode 32 - Aired 10/7/1997

Unstable Nero flees Rome in disguise and disgrace.

#10 - Hail Caesar: Hadrian

Season 1997 - Episode 33 - Aired 10/8/1997

Emperor Hadrian strengthens Rome.

#11 - Hail Caesar: Constantine

Season 1997 - Episode 34 - Aired 10/9/1997

Constantine grants Christians freedom of worship.

#12 - Hail Caesar: Justinian

Season 1997 - Episode 35 - Aired 10/10/1997

Justinian struggles to reunite the Roman Empire.

#13 - Kirk Douglas: A Lust for Life

Season 1997 - Episode 37 - Aired 10/16/1997

His striking looks and indomitable spirit caught America's attention. His determination and willingness to risk everything made him one of the most respected and admired figures in Hollywood.Kirk Douglas knew from childhood that he wanted to be an actor. The child of Russian immigrants, his road to fame started in tiny Amsterdam, New York. BIOGRAPHY; takes a behind-the-scenes tour of his remarkable life, from his first role on Broadway to his emotional acceptance of the Oscar; for lifetime achievement.

#14 - Edward R. Murrow: Voice of America

Season 1997 - Episode 43 - Aired 11/17/1997

He virtually invented broadcast journalism, setting all its standards and breaking all its rules. Extensive interviews with colleagues and friends explore the life and career of the man who was the conscience of TV news and remains a legend today.

#15 - Anastasia: Her True Story

Season 1997 - Episode 44 - Aired 11/24/1997

When the Communists took over Russia in 1917, the royal family was executed the year after, 1918. But in later years, many said that the youngest princess escaped. The program looks at recent evidence which clears up many questions surrounding the fate of the young woman, as well as the identity of the Anastasia claimer in New York City in 1928. Was she the genuine princess or a fake?

#16 - Vincent Van Gogh: A Stroke of Genius

Season 1997 - Episode 45 - Aired 11/28/1997

#17 - Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Psychic

Season 1997 - Episode 47 - Aired 12/15/1997

The story of Edgar Cayce, and how he used his talents.

#18 - Charles Kuralt: A Life on the Road

Season 1997 - Episode 46 - Aired 12/10/1997

Profiles commentator Charles Kuralt whose program "On the road" took television viewers to the small, easily-overlooked but quintessential American people and places.

#19 - Truman Capote

Season 1997 - Episode 48 - Aired 12/17/1997

#20 - Dalai Lama: The Soul of Tibet

Season 1997 - Episode 49 - Aired 12/26/1997

The BIOGRAPHY of the Dalai Lama explores the life and times of Tibet's political and spiritual leader. Born the fifth of seven children in a small rural village, the Dalai Lama was proclaimed leader of the Tibetan people after demonstrating that he was the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. In 1950, the life of the Dalai Lama changed suddenly when the Chinese communists invaded Tibet and prohibited the practice of religion. Flung into exile, the Dalai Lama has spent his years in neighboring India tirelessly negotiating for the cultural autonomy for his people. Rewarded for his efforts, the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. A man of great charm, wit, intelligence and humility, the Dalai Lama has become one of the world's most admired men and a great leader in the tradition of pacifistic resistance.

#21 - Mahatma Gandhi: Pilgrim of Peace

Season 1997 - Episode 40 - Aired 11/2/1997

Mahatma Gandhi---the charismatic leader of India's independence movement---is profiled. Included: his upbringing, legal career, message of nonviolent resistance and assassination. Also: interviews with Gandhi's grandson; the Dalai Lama; journalists; and academics.

#22 - Joseph Kennedy: Father of an American Dynasty

Season 1997 - Episode 21 - Aired 7/28/1997

Joseph P. Kennedy (1888-1969) is profiled in a program on the political dynasty's ambitious patriarch, a financier, movie producer and ambassador to Great Britain who fathered America's first Irish-Catholic President and two senators.

#23 - Thurgood Marshall: Justice for All

Season 1997 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/18/1997

#24 - Wayne Newton: King of Las Vegas

Season 1997 - Episode 16 - Aired 6/11/1997

#25 - Dale Carnegie: Man of Influence

Season 1997 - Episode 99 - Aired 9/16/1997