Is Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1991)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio (1991), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary, History. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "For 50 years radio dominated the airwaves and the American consciousness as the first “mass medium.” In Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio, Ken Burns examines the lives of three extraordinary men who shared the primary responsibility for this invention and its early success, and whose genius, friendship, rivalry and enmity interacted in tragic ways. This is the story of Lee de Forest, a clergyman’s flamboyant son, who invented the audion tube; Edwin Howard Armstrong, a brilliant, withdrawn inventor who pioneered FM technology; and David Sarnoff, a hard-driving Russian immigrant who created the most powerful communications company on earth."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Jason Robards shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, History films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1991, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 113 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.