1989 - TV Video - China Beach - Whiter Shade of Pale

[Toronado2008]

I've been watching the History Channel's 6-part series 'Viet Nam in HD' for the last two nights. I remembered Viet Nam in disjointed pieces, but this series brings it all together, with incredible footage. Our generation may be the last American generation to ever have to deal with the extended agony of such a long and brutal war. I knew there were 58,000 American casualties. But I never dreamed 1,176,000 North Vietnamese died.

[arnp88453]

After all these years this shows still haunts and inspires me. My friends find it odd that I watch bootleg videos of the show. Especially since they view the show as morose. How is it that less worthy shows make it to DVD, yet this one can't be found? Anyone know the story behind this?

[donnamariemoreno27]

@arnp88453

It has to be with  "music/songs" copyright issues-the songs originally from the show.

Donna~

[cu449708]

This was one of the best shows to come out of the 80's and early 90's looking at these scenes takes me back of how much I loved this show, and how mad I was at the last year and the fact it was cut off. Just one of the greatest shows to me.

Thank you for posting this.

[Toronado2008]

@cu449708 - Glad to share it with you. It never fails to move me.

[Dunwyche]

My favorite show also. I was lucky to see the whole thing. (History channel). I loved this series. It's when she goes back to the world. It's really moving. Two others: After shes back from the war awhile, she gets PTSD. That one is great. And also the one called VETS. Scenes from the whole series are pieced together with commentary from RN's who were really there. Wot they have to say is truly heart wrenching. Thnake much for the post. D~

[tfoen7678]

Too cool.

When the ??? marks turn to !!!-after the rush of excitement goes away, all you have is your comrades and a string instrument to lighten the mood.

Thanks for the video.

[freakshowhost]

Quite possibly the most beautiful and most powerful scene of any television series. To see those at the picnic table, debating the issues of the war and then silenced by Colleen's genuine impartialness to describe Vietnam, watching in awe, loosening the grip on their differences, as the nurse and veteran dance to the guitar playing. The comfort [of any form ] we are able to give to one another: It's what we live for.

[Toronado2008]

@freakshowhost Yes, the scene preceding this scene was very powerful - the picnic table 'debate' about VietNam. McMurphy's description of Viet Nam was heart-rending. 

[Swimz79]

I have been looking for this scene for a long time. This is my favourite scene from the entire series. Love the song, love what the scene represents in a time of war, in a time of prejudice, and absolutely love the actress. Had a huge crush on Dana as a boy and she remains one of the sexiest women on screen. Thank you so much.

[Toronado2008]

@Swimz79 That was perfectly said.

[dlhippie58]

the best show ever to be on television, nothing else even comes close to comparing. Think you for this clip, and yes gives me chills also.........and i absolutely loved Cherry, the show in which she was killed was so hard to swallow after what they had been through............☮♪♫♥♪♫♥☮..

[TheCCandCO]

this still touches me every time... love it gives me chills on how great this show was and still is... thanks for sharing

[Toronado2008]

@TheCCandCO I'm really glad for your comment. That particular scene is one of the most moving things I've ever seen on television. Gives me chills too .....

[moana1985]

This was one of my favourite scenes from China Beach. It's so beautiful.

Thank you Toronado2008 for posting this gorgeous scene <3

[Toronado2008]

@moana1985 Thank you for the comment. I'm really glad there are others who love that segment too. It's so perfectly done. I especially like the way they skillfully segue from the guitar to the real song by Procol Harum. And the emotions of the scene seem impossible to describe.

[moana1985]

@Toronado2008 My thoughts exactly. It was a very long time ago I'd watched China Beach but this scene I'd always remembered, it's so unforgettable

[Toronado2008]

Thank you, Jonothan. One of the best uses of Whiter Shade of Pale on a soundtrack. Even though the song was English, and England refused to participate in Vietnam, the song always makes me think of the Vietnam. It was a very emotional era, witnessing the deaths of so many young American men.

[heywoodjerbloume]

@Toronado2008 Britain did not officailly participate but some folks from 22SAS were overthere playing havoc with the enemy.I served in the Nam with Kiwi infantry and this show brought back so many memories good and bad.I greive for all injured vets.I love Dana.

[Toronado2008]

@heywoodjerbloume Thanks for the insight - I hadn't realized that anyone from Britain was in VietNam. Thumbs up for the vets, and for Dana!

[Jonothan888]

The loveliest scene on television - thanks for posting