TV REVIEW : Two Documentaries Offer History but Lack the Fireworks

Fourth of July is for fireworks and barbecues, right? On the other hand, maybe the holiday should be spent in solemn contemplation of history. If you are so inclined, you can end the day by watching two hourlong documentaries--the first episode of a new cable series, “Our Century” (6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Arts & Entertainment) and “Dreams Along the Little Big Horn” (11 p.m. on Channels 28 and 50).

Go for the fireworks instead.

These two programs have a lot in common. Unfortunately, it’s all bad. Basic and boring, both look like they were made for an 8th-grade history class. A very unlucky 8th-grade history class.

“Our Century,” it says here, “compiles a video encyclopedia of important events beginning with one pivotal day that was a springboard into history.” Among the subjects to be covered on future Mondays: The Russian Revolution, the Spanish Civil War, Gandhi and World War II (in three episodes). Tonight’s topic is World War I--and the springboard has no spring.

The hour consists of a French documentary that’s been saddled with a perfunctory English-language narration, de rigueur sound effects, cheesy music and bookend hosting by actor Edward Herrmann.

The program presents no actual sounds of the period--not even interviews with eyewitnesses or historians to relieve the sterility. The visuals are drawn from real-life footage, but since the 1914-18 conflict was not as well covered by cameras as subsequent wars, there are too many shots of marching soldiers and little you haven’t seen before in far better TV views of this period.

At least “Our Century” follows its events in an orderly, chronological fashion. The same can’t be said of “Dreams Along the Big Horn,” a thuddingly dull and confused look at Custer’s Last Stand produced by public-TV station KUED in Salt Lake City. Clumsily written and artlessly videotaped, “Dreams” hops around between aspects of the famous/infamous June 25, 1876, battle without being able to make any of the potentially fascinating material come alive.

As it goes from one dull interview to another--with minor historians, park guides and modern-day Indians for the most part--the show exasperates you with its haphazard, unlively and often crude approach. It lacks purpose, perspective and, too frequently, care.

“In their trenches,” intones the narrator of “Our Century,” “the French soldiers faced an enemy even more formidable than the Germans--boredom.” After watching these two hours of unimaginative TV history, you’ll know what those soldiers had to contend with.

If you want to stay awake until midnight, better bring your own sparklers.