SS United States: Lady in Waiting (Limited First Edition)

Product Description

PRODUCT TITLE: SS United States: Lady in Waiting (Limited First Edition) This is the limited first edition of this powerful and moving documentary, available for the first time directly from the producers and sure to become a collector’s item. Designed to be a secret weapon in the cold war disguised as a luxurious passenger liner, the SS United States was the pride of America during her flawless service career from 1952 to 1969 when she hosted everyone from hopeful immigrants to presidents, movie stars, and a veritable who’s who of the time. The brainchild of the 20th Century’s preeminent naval architect, William Francis Gibbs, the completely fire-proof, mid-century-modern ship was the largest passenger vessel ever constructed in her namesake’s country, and remains the record-holding speed champion of the North Atlantic to this day. Combining never before seen archival footage and interviews with notable former passengers and crew such as Walter Cronkite, LeRoy Neiman, and maritime historian William H. Miller, Jr., SS United States: Lady in Waiting tells the story of this fabled vessel from her design and construction to her star-studded glamorous heyday and eventual retirement through 2007 when her owners, Norwegian Cruise Line, was conducting feasibility studies to return her to service. The film concludes on an open note, given that NCL’s plans had not yet come to fruition and the ship remained in danger of being lost. After the documentary’s triumphant two-year run on American Public Television, NCL sold the ship to the SS United States Conservancy, a historical preservation group also covered in the film. As of February 4, 2016, Crystal Cruises has entered into a purchase option agreement with the Conservancy with plans toward fulfilling the dream of a victorious return to sea as a six-star luxury cruise experience. DVD includes over 30 minutes of bonus material, additional interviews, animations, etc. For more information on the ship and how you can get involved in the effort to preserve her, please visit the SS United States Conservancy’s website.

Review

“One of the finest documentaries of its kind ever made.” - William H. Miller, author of SS United States: Speed Queen of the Seas
“This is an enormously entertaining – and educational – film about one of the greatest ships ever built. - Maritime Executive Magazine
“This is an excellent film about one of the greatest liners ever. I would highly recommend it…” - Nigel Lawrence, Shipping Today & Yesterday
”Director Robert Radler’s engaging documentary features interviews with celebrity passengers (including Walter Cronkite), naval historians, and enthusiasts, who recall the rich history of the SS United States, while also discussing current efforts to save it… DVD extras include expanded interviews, celebrity anecdotes, rare footage of the maiden voyage, and a photo gallery. Highly recommended.” – C. Block, Video Librarian (Volume 24, Issue 1) “This praiseworthy history of one of the most important ships in U.S. history is very highly recommended for marine and history collections.” - Tom Budlong, Library Journal
“Lovingly crafted…” – Dwain Thomas, School Library Journal
”In this fond tribute, former passengers (including journalist Walter Cronkite and artist LeRoy Neiman), employees, ship enthusiasts, and others recall the heyday of ocean travel... Fascinating for ship and history buffs and anyone who enjoys glimpsing the glamorous past.”