The Astors: High Society (1996): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1996, The Astors: High Society is a documentary film, running about 60 minutes. “Their name is synonymous with wealth and glamour. Their saga is marked by five generations of tragedy, family feuds and philanthropy.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The very name conjures up images of the good life black tie affairs and high society balls. Yet their long saga proves that money is no guarantee of happiness or stability. John Jacob Astor built an empire by parlaying a job in the fur business into a real estate empire so vast he became the richest man in the world. Follow the fortunes of five generations of Astors in this special BIOGRAPHY. From John's son William, who doubled the family fortune and earned the nickname "the landlord of New York," to the astounding charitable contributions of the Astor Foundation, the incredible story of the famed family comes to life through interviews with family members, archival footage and period accounts. Trace the feud and reconciliation that led to the creation of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, and find out how the Titanic disaster forever transformed the Astors and their reputation.

Who’s in it. The Astors: High Society stars John Jacob Astor as Self (archive footage), Brooke Astor as Self, Nancy Astor as Self (archive footage) and Winston Churchill as Self (archive footage), among others.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on History Vault. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Astors: High Society page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Astors: High Society tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.