American Experience

Cold War Roadshow

In the fall of 1959, at the height of the Cold War, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev toured the United States for 12 days at the invitation of President Dwight Eisenhower. For both men, the visit was an opportunity to halt the escalating threats of the Cold War and potentially chart a new course toward peaceful coexistence. For the American press, it was the media blockbuster story of the year.

Cold War Roadshow Preview

31s

For twelve days in September 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev traveled the United States from coast to coast, creating a media circus as hundreds of reporters followed his every move. Americans were fascinated by the communist leader and the trip served to ease Cold War tensions -- if only for a short time. "Cold War Roadshow" premieres November 18, 2014 on American Experience PBS.

Previews + Extras

  • Khrushchev Goes to Hollywood: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Khrushchev Goes to Hollywood

    S26 E7 - 3m 32s

    During his trip to America in 1959, Nikita Khrushchev stopped by 20th Century Fox studios in Los Angeles to mingle with some of Hollywood's biggest stars. While there, he ranted about his canceled trip to Disneyland, met Marilyn Monroe, and watched the filming of a scene from "Can-Can." "Cold War Roadshow" premieres November 18, 2014 on American Experience PBS.

  • Khrushchev Visits IBM: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Khrushchev Visits IBM

    S26 E7 - 1m 22s

    During his American tour in 1959, Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev toured the IBM factory in San Jose, California. While visiting, the innovation Khrushchev was most fascinated by was not the computers, but rather the company's cafeteria. "Cold War Roadshow" premieres November 18 on American Experience PBS.

  • Inside Khrushchev's Airplane: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Inside Khrushchev's Airplane

    S26 E7 - 3m 38s

    Sergei Khrushchev documented his father's 1959 American visit from behind the lens of his camera. In this soundless video clip, we see Khrushchev and his advisors and family on his plane to America. See more in our video gallery on the "Cold War Roadshow" website.

  • Beyond the Doc: Khrushchev: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Beyond the Doc: Khrushchev

    S26 E7 - 3m 45s

    In September 1959, Nikita Khrushchev was the first Soviet leader to visit the United States. His family, including his 22-year-old son, Sergei, accompanied the Soviet premier on his American tour. Sergei reflects on the whirlwind, cross-country trip and his impressions of America and its people. "Cold War Roadshow" premieres November 18 on PBS American Experience.

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