Acting
James Burke
Born December 22, 1936 · Derry, Northern Ireland, UK (age 89)
James Burke is a British broadcaster, science historian, author, and television producer, who is known, among other things, for his documentary television series Connections, and for its more philosophically oriented companion series, The Day the Universe Changed, which is about the history of science and technology. The Washington Post called him "one of the most intriguing minds in the Western w…
Known For
Speed · 1984Speed
★ 6.11984
MovieDocumentary
A documentary on the history on mankind's attempts to reach high speeds. Starting with the invention of the bicycle, going on to sports cars, cars with jet engines, rocket-powered cars, attempts to break the sound barrier, and rocket-engine airplanes. Each achievement is documented by title card indicating the speed reached in miles per hour.
Lucky 13: Rockets, Aliens & Spare Parts · 2025Lucky 13: Rockets, Aliens & Spare Parts
2025
MovieDocumentary
A documentary presented by Robin Ince on how the science of the early 1970s influenced Doctor Who. Featured as an extra on The Collection Season 7 BluRay boxset.
The Neuron Suite · 1982The Neuron Suite
1982
MovieDocumentary
James Burke roams the Hotel del Coronado, using its services as a metaphor for the neuro-chemical activity of the human brain.
Tomorrow's World · 1965Tomorrow's World
★ 6.41965
SeriesDocumentary
Tomorrow's World was a long-running BBC television series on new developments in science and technology. First transmitted on 7 July 1965 on BBC1, it ran for 38 years until it was cancelled at the beginning of 2003.
Doomwatch · 1970Doomwatch
★ 6.41970
SeriesDramaSci-Fi & Fantasy
Doomwatch is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC, which ran on BBC 1 between 1970 and 1972. The series was set in the then present-day, and dealt with a scientific government agency led by Doctor Spencer Quist, responsible for investigating and combating various ecological and technological dangers.
The series was followed by a film adaptation produced by Tigon British Film Productions and released in 1972, and a revival TV film was broadcast on Channel 5 in 1999.
Connections · 1978Connections
★ 8.21978
SeriesDocumentary
Taking an interdisciplinary approach to the history of science and invention, Connections explores an "Alternative View of Change" that rejects the conventional linear and teleological view of historical progress. To demonstrate this view, Burke begins each episode with a particular event or innovation in the past (usually ancient or medieval) and traces a path from that event through a series of connections to a fundamental and essential aspect of the modern world.
The Real Thing · 1980The Real Thing
★ 8.31980
SeriesDocumentary
Asking how you tell what's real and what isn't sounds like an obvious question. But in this series of six programmes, James Burke shows that the more you think about it the harder it is to answer. After all, what have you got, apart from your five senses, to prove those senses are giving you the real thing?
Connections with James Burke · 2023Connections with James Burke
★ 8.22023
SeriesDocumentary
Historian James Burke continues his journey through random historical connections that together have shaped our world and provide important clues to our future.
Filmography
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