The Congress
Synopsis
For 200 years, the United States Congress has been one of the country's most important and least understood institutions. In this elegant, thoughtful and often touching portrait, Ken Burns explores the history and promise of this unique American institution. Using historical photographs and newsreels, evocative live footage and interviews with David Broder, Alistair Cooke, Cokie Roberts, Charles McDowell and others, the award-winning film chronicles the personalities, events and issues that have animated the first 200 years of Congress and, in turn, our country.
Top Cast
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David McCullough
Self - Writer / Narrator
Cokie Roberts
Self - Journalist
Alistair Cooke
Self - Journalist
Arthur Miller
Self
Charles McDowell
Self - Newspaperman
Barbara Fields
Self - Historian
John C. Stennis
Self - Former Senator
David S. Broder
Self - Reporter
George Tames
Self - Photographer
James MacGregor Burns
Self - Historian
Jerome Dempsey
(voice)
Shelby Foote
(voice)
Ronnie Gilbert
(voice)
Julie Harris
(voice)
Derek Jacobi
(voice)
Garrison Keillor
(voice)
Walt MacPherson
(voice)
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ken Burns
- Screenplay & Story
- David McCullough, Bernard Weisberger
- Original Title
- The Congress
- Country of Origin
- Canada, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Production Studios
- Florentine Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ken Burns
David McCullough, Bernard Weisberger
Sally Menke
Department Leadership Roster
Ken Burns
Director
Sally Menke
Editor
David McCullough
Writer
Bernard Weisberger
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Congress.
Featured In Curated Collections
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B Gardens
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Documentary
1989
1989
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Congress
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Congress about?
For 200 years, the United States Congress has been one of the country's most important and least understood institutions. In this elegant, thoughtful and often touching portrait, Ken Burns explores the history and promise of this unique American institution. Using historical photographs and newsreels, evocative live footage and interviews with David Broder, Alistair Cooke, Cokie Roberts, Charles McDowell and others, the award-winning film chronicles the personalities, events and issues that have animated the first 200 years of Congress and, in turn, our country.
Who directed The Congress?
The Congress was directed by Ken Burns.
Who stars in The Congress?
The principal cast of The Congress includes David McCullough, Cokie Roberts, Alistair Cooke, Arthur Miller, Charles McDowell.
When was The Congress released and how long is it?
The Congress was released in 1989 with a total runtime of 1h 29m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Congress?
The Congress holds official age classifications: US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).