History in a minute or less

In the 1970’s, CBS used to run a series of “Bicentennial Minutes,” which aired in prime time. Actors and historians would explain tales of historic significance that led up to our country’s 200th birthday.

And sure enough … some of these “Bicentennial Minutes” exist on YouTube. I was actually surprised that they survived in the first place. But watching them seemed to bring back memories of a time when a broadcast network had enough power to make their TV shows trim off a minute of their airtime so that these “Bicentennial Minutes” could air.

Here’s one as narrated by actor and director Otto Preminger.

Actor Darren McGavin narrates this minute.

Here’s a nice one from actress Jessica Tandy.

And when the series reached its end – naturally, in 1976 – this political figure narrated the final Bicentennial Minute.

Of course, at some point someone had to parody the Bicentennial Minute stories. Such was the case on this episode of All In the Family.

But the best Bicentennial Minute spoof had to come from the Carol Burnett Show. This is the kind of humor and satire that Saturday Night Live WISHES it could do.

Fun stuff. There’s about two dozen Bicentennial Minutes surviving on YouTube, but I kinda wish I could sit and watch the whole series in one binge. 

Maybe someday I can. You never know how many tape traders out there might have the whole series.