Race for the Double Helix

Description:

The Race for the Double Helix (alternate title: Life Story) dramatizes the interactions among scientists that led to the discovery in 1953 of the structure of the DNA molecule. This highly praised but hard-to-find film was produced and directed for BBC Television by Mick Jackson. The outstanding cast includes Jeff Goldblum (James Watson), Tim Pigott-Smith (Francis Crick), Alan Howard (Maurice Wilkins), and Juliet Stevenson (Rosalind Franklin). An educational resource of exceptional value, the movie can assist in explaining the science of DNA to a range of audiences, or provide a focus of discussion with students on the process of scientific discovery and the ethical and social issues involved.

Resources:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Story_(TV_film)
• http://www.biologyjunction.com/double_helix_notes.htm
• http://www.biologyjunction.com/raceassign.pdf
• http://www.dnalc.org/view/15455-Winning-the-race-for-the-double-helix-James-Watson.html

Watch the Movie:

• Part I (00:53:25)
• Part II (00:52:30)