Biography

For over a year, he held a city hostage to fear. When he was finally caught, the nation was shocked to discover that the "face of terror" was a cherubic postal worker who smiled sweetly for the camera. David Berkowitz claimed the lives of six people in a killing spree that resulted in the largest manhunt in the history of New York. Once apprehended, he confessed to all the crimes and asked the judge to put him away forever so he would not kill again. In this comprehensive portrait, reporters and detectives who worked on the case, the parents of victims, a prosecutor and a former FBI profiler relive the case that galvanized a nation. Psychologists explore the many frustrations and disappointments that led Berkowitz to kill, and in a gripping interview, Berkowitz himself talks about his crimes and jailhouse transformation into the "Son of Hope." Today, he ministers to other prisoners and born-again Christians all over the world in hopes of restoring some meaning to his shattered life.

For 25 years Mao Zedong ruled one quarter of the world's population. This is the extraordinary story of a farmer's son who became a God in his life time but in private never shook off his peasant roots; a man who presided over one of the most radical experiments in social reform ever seen in human history but who will be remembered as one of the bloodiest dictators of the twentieth century. This program--told through the accounts of those who have met and studied him, loved and loathed him--includes archive film and pictures going back to the very earliest days of Mao's life, as well as unique film of China at the turn of the century and during key episodes in Mao's communist revolution. It includes harrowing and eye-witness accounts of such momentous events as the cultural revolution, the Great Leap Forward and the most severe man-made famine ever recorded.

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He was the favorite angel who dared disobey God. Cast out from Heaven, he became mankind's tormentor, vowing to destroy the creation of his former master. Satan, Lucifer, the Devil: by any name, he is the symbol of evil, the bringer of darkness who lurks just around the corner—ready to plunge deep into our souls. From the Biblical tale of the fall to stories of those who believe they have crossed his path, Biography takes a chilling journey through the "life" of Satan. Scholars examine the way Satan has been portrayed throughout the centuries, forever embodying the greatest fears of mankind. And in art from classic paintings and ancient etchings to modern movies, see the many faces that we have applied to this timeless tormentor, and explore what these images tell us of him and ourselves. Join Biography for the terrifying tale of the evil creature that has hunted humans since the beginning of time.

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Throughout his legendary partnership with Jerry Lewis and years of solo stardom, his laid‑back charm made everything look easy. Dean Martin was one of America’s greatest celebrities for more than 50 years. Discovered by Jerry Lewis in Atlantic City, the young singer joined the madcap comedian to create one of the most famous entertainment teams ever. When their tumultuous ten‑year partnership ended, Martin went on to a string of solo successes as an actor and singer. Biography presents the definitive Dean Martin story—including movies with the Rat Pack and knocking the Beatles from the top slots in the charts—drawing on rare clips and photos and candid interviews with family, friends, and co‑stars. From his early days as a card shark and prizefighter to his zenith as the highest‑paid entertainer in the world, Dean Martin profiles a truly unforgettable man.

Their incredible exploits earned them a place in American legend. Their true fate remains one of the great mysteries of the Old West. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were a different breed of outlaw. In the waning days of the Old West, they blazed a trail of shoot-outs and hold-ups that earned them widespread notoriety. But while other outlaws bragged of their accomplishments and staked their claim as the meanest, toughest and fastest, Butch only claimed that he was the smartest, funniest and most popular! And the Sundance Kid was famed mostly as a ladies' man. Their incredible story comes to life here through period accounts, rare photos and interviews with experts. Relive their exploits and fabled escape from justice that still has historians confounded today. Biography traces the remarkable career and legendary flight of the Old West's most intriguing outlaws.

The episode examines the mysterious life and enduring legacy of Nostradamus, the 16th‑century French physician and astrologer whose cryptic prophecies have fascinated—and frightened—generations. It traces his rise from plague doctor and scholar to author of Les Prophéties, the collection of verses that many believe foretold wars, revolutions, and natural disasters. The program explores the historical context of his writings, the symbolism behind his predictions, and the centuries‑long debate over their accuracy. Through expert analysis, dramatizations, and archival imagery, Biography separates fact from legend, revealing a man driven by curiosity, intellect, and a deep sense of destiny. Nostradamus emerges as both visionary and enigma—a figure whose haunting words continue to echo through history’s most turbulent moments.