Presidents Collection, The: The Republicans: IKE (1998) Rating: Starring: Director: Category: Special Interest, Documentary Studio: Warner Bros. Subtitles: [None] Length: 150 min     They rose from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of power. They stood at the center of world history, waging war and pursuing peace. They are standard-bearers of the Grand Old Party and symbols of America to the world -- and to itself.Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan are the subjects of three penetrating biographies that present fresh, revealing insights into their lives and times. Carefully crafted using declassified information, extensive archival footage and photographs, interviews with family members, friends, adversaries, and eyewitnesses, and excerpts from correspondence and diaries, these films explore how a nation and its leaders answered their eras unique challenges. Originally aired as the "Presidents" series on PBS' American Experience, the story of Dwight D. Eisenhower covers his days from childhood to his WWII heroics, his marriage to Mamie Doud, the rumored affair with military driver Kay Summersby, and details his tenure as America's 34th president. Ike, as he was affectionately nicknamed, became a Five Star General in the second World War, commanding the invasion of Normandy, and, in the Battle of the Bulge, defeated Germany's last offensive. During his presidency, the Korean War ended, the Interstate Highway System was laid out, and America's nuclear arsenal expanded. Despite efforts to contain Communism, Eisenhower was no sympathizer of zealots and worked behind the scenes to undermine Joseph McCarthy. Eisenhower's early legacy as the "do-nothing" president has deteriorated since he left office in 1960, and, as seen here, his actions as a skillful politician have been brought to light.