American Experience

Ripley Believe It Or Not Preview

Preview: Season 27 Episode 1 | 30s

Robert Ripley mesmerized the nation with his blend of homespun Americana, colorful exotica and freakish oddities. His “Believe It or Not!” franchise grew into an entertainment empire, expanding from newspapers to every form of “new media” in the 20th century: radio, film and, ultimately, television. "Ripley Believe It Or Not" premieres January 6, 2014 on PBS American Experience.

Aired: 01/06/15

Rating: NR

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The Chinese Six Companies

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The Chinese Six Companies

On May 28, 1900, San Francisco policemen formed a perimeter around Chinatown as officials diagnosed bubonic plague in the neighborhood and wanted to quarantine the nearly 20,000 residents. As tensions flared, an influential group of merchants known as the Chinese Six Companies sprang into action.

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