The Boys of '36

In the summer of 1936, nine working class young men from the University of Washington took the rowing world and the nation by a storm when they captured the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Berlin. American Experience Executive Producer, Mark Samels talks about the series' upcoming documentary on the "Boys of '36," inspired by the best-selling book by Daniel James Brown.

In 1936, nine working-class young men from the University of Washington took the rowing world and America by storm when they captured the gold medal at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Their unexpected victory gave hope to a nation struggling to emerge from the depths of the Great Depression. The Boys of '36 premieres August 2 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

In August 1936, just outside Berlin, Germany, crowds gathered for the marquee event of the Olympic rowing contests: the men's eight. The host nation had won more medals than any other and looked to dominate the final race. As Adolf Hitler looked on, nine boys from Washington prepared to row the biggest race of their lives. "The Boys of '36" premieres 8/2 at 9/8c on PBS.

Don Hume wasn't a physically imposing athlete, but he had a gift for rowing that helped lead the University of Washington rowing team to Olympic victory in 1936. "The Boys of '36" premieres August 2 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

The national rowing championship was June 22nd, and Washington’s strategy was to exercise patience in the four mile race. "The Boys of '36" premieres August 2 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

On July 15, 1936 more than 300 members of the U.S. Olympic team boarded the SS Manhattan to travel to the Olympic Games in Berlin. The boat also carried precious cargo: the boys from Washington's racing shell, the Husky Clipper. "The Boys of '36" premieres August 2 at 9/8c on American Experience PBS.

The boys from Washington had to win one more time to become the first Washington crew to represent the United States in the Olympics. "The Boys of '36" premieres August 2 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

The 1936 Olympic Opening Ceremony was held on August 1 at the Reichssportsfeld in Berlin. Cheers echoed throughout the stadium as Adolf Hitler entered. "The Boys of '36" premieres August 2 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.