About the Documentary
In July 1919, under the bright morning sun, 295 military staff and 81 heavy-duty vehicles gathered on the White House's southern side in Washington DC. They were about to set out on a monumental journey across the Lincoln Highway, with Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, 3,251 miles away, as their endpoint.
They ventured without proper maps for the western route, devoid of service stations, depending largely on the scarce knowledge from earlier trailblazers. This convoy became a national sensation, receiving the enthusiastic cheers of millions who thronged the way. Among these 295 participants was a young 28-year-old lieutenant colonel, Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Drawing from the convoy's official daily records and supplementary sources, author Michael Owen and producer Gregory Maassen retraced the convoy's precise path—now often secluded backroads or unpaved trails stretching across the vast western terrain. Owen narrates the detailed account of this groundbreaking expedition, while also reflecting on the transformations witnessed along the route over time. "After Ike" captures the essence of a hundred-year-old journey that profoundly reshaped America and continues to leave its mark today.
Logline/Key Creative Message
A documentary about the remarkable story of the longest motorized military convoy assembled by humankind in 1919 that left the White House to travel across the United States to San Francisco and that changed the life of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the American people, and the world in perpetuity.
Tagline
A Journey That Changed America.
Synopsis
In 1919, a convoy of 295 military personnel and 81 heavy vehicles embarked on a historic 3,251-mile journey from Washington, DC, to San Francisco over the Lincoln Highway. Without maps or service stations, they relied on limited knowledge from earlier pioneers. The convoy was a national sensation, cheered on by millions. Among the members was a 28-year-old lieutenant colonel named Dwight Eisenhower.
Through meticulous research, personal exploration, and a connection to historical figures like Dwight Eisenhower, "After Ike" offers viewers an educational adventure that resonates with the spirit of exploration and the importance of understanding our shared history.
Situation Analysis
"After Ike" is a historical recounting that bridges past and present. Narrated by a retired U.S. Ambassador and produced by Gregory Maassen, the documentary uniquely retraces the 1919 convoy's path across the Lincoln Highway, exploring how this transformative expedition shaped America's infrastructure and culture. The ambassador's personal experience of driving the same route and his diplomatic background offer a new fresh, credible, and insightful perspective on a century-old event.
"After Ike" uniquely explores a specific historical event, presenting educational value and potential for significant institutional partnerships. There's a promising opportunity to integrate it into educational curriculums, engage local communities, and leverage digital streaming platforms.