First Face

Gr 5 Up—Part biography and part art lesson, this program expounds on the image of George Washington that appears on our one dollar bill and how that portrait painted by Gilbert Stuart came to be. While historians explain how Washington progressed from being a Virginia farmer to a military leader and, later, to President of the United States, viewers see a re-enactment of Washington's portrait being painted by Stuart. The differences between the backgrounds of Washington and Stuart are blamed for the sternness of Washington's pose in his portrait—the artist could not induce Washington to chat during the sitting. The historians claim that Washington did not like to talk about himself, but preferred that others extol his virtues. Fortunately, they did, and although Stuart didn't learn much from President Washington, the audience learns many interesting facts about the man and the statesman. Stuart left the portrait unfinished below Washington's waist, and the film concludes with scenes in a Rhode Island park where young and old were invited to use their imaginations to complete the portrait. A separate short video about Gilbert Stuart is included on the DVD. This program will have universal appeal.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA