The Secret Life of Richard Nixon is to be screened on BBC Prime on DStv on February 11 at 22h00.

This two-part documentary examines the presidency of Richard Nixon, holder of this powerful role from January l969 until his resignation over the Watergate scandal. Despite his disgrace, Nixon clawed his way back to be laid to rest in 1994 as a respected statesman.

Hailed by some as a great peacemaker, Richard Nixon has also been described as the most colossal disaster in the history of the American presidency. The first film assesses Nixon’s personality and behaviour from his early years, through to the turbulent years of his presidency. Contributors include some of the people closest to him: family, diplomats, colleagues and aides, including brother Ed Nixon, Henry Kissinger and James Schlesinger.