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60 MINUTES {THE GREATEST; AMERICAN ENTERPRISE; AREA 51: CATCH 22; ANDY ROONEY: MOVIE CREDITS} (TV)

Summary

One in this series of news magazine programs. This installment presents reports on Muhammad Ali's battle against Parkinson's Syndrome, the industry of growing marijuana, the current controversy surrounding "Area 51," and a commentary by Andy Rooney. First, in "The Greatest," Ed Bradley gives a brief summary of Ali's career, including his reputation as "the Louisville Lip," and juxtaposes this past against the fighter's present as a man afflicted with a form of Parkinson's Syndrome that doctors believe is directly linked to damage sustained while boxing. Through a series of interviews with Ali's wife, his doctors, and his friends, Bradley paints the picture of a man who, despite his ailment, lives life to the fullest. He chronicles Ali's frequent public appearances; his charity work, including a trip to Cuba with a relief group delivering supplies; and his strong spiritual beliefs. Highlights include footage of Ali teaching a magic trick to Fidel Castro, of a practical joke the boxer plays on Ed Bradley, and of Ali in a moment in which he reveals his fear of being pitied. Next, in "American Enterprise," Morley Safer heads an investigation into the billion-dollar cottage industry of home-grown marijuana. In Amsterdam, where an international marijuana convention/trade show is held each year, he speaks with a man known only as Wernhardt. Dubbed the father of modern marijuana growing, this merchant sells seeds and growing supplies to visiting Americans. Safer also speaks with "William," an American who has moved to Amsterdam to avoid the legal concerns of marijuana harvesting in the United States. Back in the U.S., Safer interviews two men, a very successful cannabis grower and a man serving five years in prison, about the tremendous financial benefits and the devastating legal risks of growing marijuana in one's home. In the third segment, "Area 51: Catch 22," Lesley Stahl conducts an extensive interview with Jonathan Turley, an attorney representing ex-employees of the Federal government who claim that they have developed illnesses as a result of the dumping and burning of toxic materials at a secret airbase in Nevada known as Area 51. His suit has been stalled, however, by the government's refusal to confirm the existence of Area 51. As the program concludes, Andy Rooney comments on movie credits and his belief that they are just too long. Commercials deleted. Includes a promo for the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.

Cataloging of this program has been made possible by the Bell Atlantic Foundation, 2000.

Details

  • NETWORK: CBS
  • DATE: March 17, 1996 7:00 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 0:48:12
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:48047
  • GENRE: News magazine; Talk/Interviews
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Boxing; Sports; Parkinson's Disease; Marijuana; Toxic waste
  • SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1968-
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Promos - CBS Evening News

CREDITS

  • John Hamlin … Producer
  • Steven Reiner … Producer
  • Richard Bonin … Producer
  • Mike Wallace … Host
  • Andy Rooney … Commentator
  • Ed Bradley … Reporter
  • Morley Safer … Reporter
  • Lesley Stahl … Reporter
  • Dan Rather … Talent, CBS Evening News promo
  • Ali, Muhammad (See also: Clay, Cassius)
  • Fidel Castro
  • Jonathan Turley
  • Wernhardt