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Read the archive   of Wattenberg's   syndicated column     The Western: America’s Story, Part One The Great Train Robbery, considered by many historians to be the first Western film, premiered a century ago in 1903. ... more Irving Berlin’s America, Part II From Ragtime to Swing and from Broadway to Hollywood, Irving Berlin’s music defined American songwriting for more than half a century. ... more   The Western: America’s Story, Part Two main page The Western: America’s Story, Part Two Aired 1/18/2007 Scholars are divided over American’s fascination with the Old West. Some say the Western film is more flawed and less heroic than movie audiences assume. Others say the films reflect the real hardship and courage of Nineteenth Century America. What do Westerns say about American life? And what do they say about our changing view of history and heroes?   Read the full transcript   R. Philip Loy     Professor of political science at Taylor University   Holly George-Warren     Author of Cowboy: How Hollywood Invented the Wild West   Scott Simmon     Co-director of film studies at the University of California at Davis Originally Aired: 5/22/2003     Be sure to also check out: Here are some previous Think Tank programs that may be of interest. The American Musical, Part 2   aired 5/24/2007 The American Musical, Part 1   aired 5/17/2007 One Nation, One Standard   aired 5/10/2007 Send us your thoughts Think Tank is made possible by generous support from the Smith Richardson Foundation, the Bernard and Irene Schwartz Foundation, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the John M. Olin Foundation, the Donner Canadian Foundation, the Dodge Jones Foundation, and Pfizer, Inc. ©Copyright Think Tank. All rights reserved.     Web development by Bean Creative.