Treasures of New York: Stanford White

Dick Cavett hosts a film about Stanford White - one of the most prominent American architects during the 19th and 20th centuries. Discover the landmark buildings and career of the man who transformed New York City during the "Gilded Age" of wealth.

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[jillkjv]

I grew up in the house across the street from the Stanford White House in Lattingtown, Long Island. I used to babysit for the family's children who lived there at the time. There were three stories, a gorgeous grand staircase, separate servant's wing, etc. They filmed two popular films there, The Group, and Little Gloria Happy At Last about Gloria Vanderbilt. Saw actor Christopher Plummer there flown in by helicopter that day to shoot a scene. It was a lovely place to grow up in. Not too far away they filmed scenes at the Prybil estate where scenes from both Sabrina films were made. Eventually I left when I got married but continue to have nostalgic memories of that time in my life. 😊

[markjawitz]

Thank you, Dick Cavett, for that fabulous and unexpected final tidbit in your closing.

[sammavacaist]

I'm such an old New Yorker now that this makes me wish Dick Cavett narrated a lot more of these NYC documentaries when he was younger.

[amandab.recondwith]

The beauty of this documentary is only topped by the resonant glory of Dick Cavett's narration. I have worshipped him from childhood when I watched his late night shows. My parents would watch Johnny Carson in their bedroom, and I would watch Dick Cavett from the tv in the library downstairs. His interview with Katherine Hepburn is a masterpiece of tact, patience, respect and intellectual treasures.

[hollyw]

They portray Evelyn Nesbitt as a "woman" but she was really just a child when she met White. Her mother was a horrible woman who shoved her beautiful daughter into any dangerous situation that might mean money - admittedly, they were hard pressed and dirt poor - and she pushed her into marrying Thaw, after White had tired of her (or maybe just couldn't afford to keep her in style anymore), and Thaw was nuts and had a mother who made Evelyn's look like an angel, and Evelyn spent time stuck in their Pennsylvania mansion, basically under lock and key, with Thaw and his mother. In her later years, she became an artist herself, and if my memory serves, even taught art at some university. I'm just glad she was able to maybe find some happiness at last.

[denisehall]

I'm 74 and I remember my father explaining the scandal to my mother.It was salacious for it's day..

[patriciabrown]

A fascinating piece of history. So glad to see Dick Cavett, and happy he purchased the White home.

[chuckschillingvideos]

The greatest American architect ever. His work is unparalleled.

[cedricsmith]

I just started watching and I already know I'm watching something very special. This video made me feel special today, thank you, I feel terrible for thee tragedy. I am glad I watched this.

[VoiceOfReasonXXX]

I am friends with one of the White great-grandsons and spent a few weekends years ago helping them do some maintenance work at Box Hill. A lovely and slightly quirky family.

[dawnvickerstaff]

Watching 'The Gilded Age' right now on TV. So great to see New York showcased during it's exuberant 'teenage years' when experimentation and gaudy glory came to define a people.

[puddysue]

How wonderful that so many of his works have survived. He was a true architectural genius. Such unique beauty. A really nice documentary.

[christopherralphbianco]

I worked with one of Stanford White's Great Grandsons Peter. This is a great documentary.

[MrMrremmington]

Well that was a lovely slice Of history and the social composition of the early 19th century American experience in New York. I very much enjoyed watching it. Thank you

[libertygiveme]

Stanford White's taste was IMPECCABLE when it came to designing a Home or Office, but when it came to "DECORATING", that was another story!!!! STRANGE how that works!!!!

[angelinahunter]

What a fabulous documentary!
I lived in Manhattan FIFTY years and yet I never knew where the original Madison Square Garden had been (and I'd been in Madison Square many times.) Now I live in Colorado and when I visit my friends back east I can't wait to see the James Farley Post Office converted to a far grander Penn Station than was there for so many years. Also, I had a wealthy friend who belonged to several clubs, many of them far more exclusive than The University Club -- but it was my favorite for its romantic glamour -- it's the club I always wanted to go for dinner (in the early '80's) just to be in that dining room -- the food was the least of it -- THIS was a Stanford White building. As a middle class person, how lucky I've been!

[sirrom]

my great, great grandmother use to word for stanford white as a housekeeper. she relayed fondly to me tales of her eagerly polishing his knob.

[thecrone]

It would be nice now and then to see the story of the workmen - carvers, plasterers, stone masons, brick layers, carpenters - who actually did the work for these beautiful buildings. To creat these designs is a talent - to produce the reality of the design - genious.

[JoseGarcia-ojzw]

Grew up on NYC and everywhere i went i loved looking at the different architecture styles.

[cperkin]

Beautiful. And they are still in style today.