The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God
by Ken Burns, Amy Stechler
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: David McCullough (II)Director: Amy Stechler, Ken Burns
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 58 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2002-11-12
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: PBS (Direct)
Movie Reviews of The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God
Movie Review: "Tis A Gift To Be Simple"
Summary: 4 Stars
Ken Burns' film about the religious sect "The Shakers" is typical of the superior work he has done in making historical documentaries for PBS. The film is less than an hour in length so of course it is a fairly superficial look at this fascinating group and their contributions to American history. However Burns does delve at least somewhat in to the history and religious beliefs of this group that was originally called the Shaking Quakers and was founded in 18th century England by an illiterate woman known as Mother Ann. The church grew to have nineteen thriving "societies" in the United States that aside from their beautiful simple furniture developed high quality seeds, cattle breeds, brooms, architecture and many other perfectly designed products. As in most Burns documentaries quotes from journal entries and contemporary writers and observers are read by actors and authentic pictures and photographs are used throughout to illustrate the story. The most memorable part of the film for me was the interviews with two elderly women who were long time Shakers and who radiated peace and contentment as they told of their long lives in the community.
Summary of The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God
This revealing and poignant film by Ken Burns portrays 200 years of Shaker life in America, guided by the recollections of the three surviving members of the faith, along with a wealth of archival material from over 40 collections. Explore every aspect of this strange and noble sect that produced some of the greatest architecture and furniture in American history. It is the story of devotion, invention, industry and ingenuity, of simple crafts and dance. Shot at existing Shaker locations and narrated by David McCullough, the film includes Shaker music recreated from authentic inspirational songs.From America's documentarian Ken Burns (The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz) comes this intimate portrait of a "serene creed" whose members considered themselves America's "chosen people." They called themselves the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, but because of their ecstatic dancing, they are more popularly known as the Shakers. Its members put their "hands to work and their hearts to God," creating a legacy of fine and priceless furniture and magnificent architecture. A model for the world's utopians, the Shakers believed in social, economic, and spiritual equality, and in pacifism, feminism, and joyful personal worship. They also believed in celibacy, which is why, when Burns filmed this in 1989, there were but a dozen Shakers left in America. On-location footage, contemporary interviews with historians and present and former members, and dramatic voice-overs culled from diaries create a moving portrait of the Shakers and "[keep] the light shining bright." --Donald Liebenson
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