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The Rockefellers

For decades, the Rockefeller name was despised in America–associated with John D. Rockefeller Sr.’s feared monopoly, Standard Oil. By the end of his life, Rockefeller had given away half his fortune–but even his vast philanthropy could not erase the memory of his predatory business practices. His only son, John D. Rockefeller Jr., would dedicate his life to recasting the family image.

In the quest for redemption and respectability, Junior would give away hundreds of millions of dollars, and would insist that his six children behave impeccably. Their contributions transformed America. When he died at age 86, Junior left his six children and 22 grandchildren an invaluable inheritance: a name which stood not for corporate greed, but for “the well-being of mankind.”

Released 2000. Director: Adriana Bosch.

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  • Maurice Aherne

    Worth persevering with this lengthy documentary. From early on I was ‘rooting’ for this ‘Family’. Notwithstanding some dubious decisions -at Attica prison-and at inception of Standard Oil; the R’s -gave service and of course a sizeable proportion of their wealth.

    They need not have done so.

    Who needs to care about public opinion. The odious treatment by the Republican party of Nelson -is testimony-to how a mob ‘thinks’ anyway.

    I applaud John D.-and generations that followed-including the bravery of Nelson-against the bullying and stupid ‘herd’.

    A courageous family.

  • Anon

    Good info on the history of the family but it seems biased. This film portrays the family as the victims of the public even though the reason for the family’s great wealth is unethical monopoly of oil causing many independent companies to be aggressively taken over. No doubt the family has done some good but their roots will always cast a shadow over them.