History .

This powerful documentary recreates the final flight of Amelia Earhart, the noted aviation pioneer whose historic 1937 trip around the world ended in her tragic disappearance. Shot in 19 countries, THE FINAL HOURS is based on “World Flight 1997,” Texas aviator Linda Finch’s honorary recreation of Earhart’s planned flight. With the rare accreditation of the Smithsonian Institution, this informative program presents footage of Finch’s flight, artfully intercut with archival footage and interviews with Earhart. Notably different from other Amelia Earhart films, this program also presents theories as to what actually occurred during the deadly flight.

Airs Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 7pm.

How has religious belief shaped American history? What role have religious ideas and spiritual experience played in shaping the social, political, and cultural life of what has become the world’s most religiously diverse nation? GOD IN AMERICA, a presentation of AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and FRONTLINE, will explore the historical role of religion in the public life of the United States. The six-hour series interweaves documentary footage, historical dramatization and interviews with religious historians.