S6·E48 The Marshall Fields: A Chicago Tradition

The name is synonymous with shopping. But the saga of the Fields family is anything but a story of smooth success. Marshall Field grew rich off the store that bears his name, becoming Chicago's most powerful man and one of America's richest businessmen. In the 19th century, he amassed a fortune of over $120 million. He left his name and his fortune to his son, but Marshall Field II and the Fields that followed Marshall Field III, IV, V and VI have not had as smooth a ride as their namesake. Trace the saga of the Fields from the grand opening of the first store to today. Marshall Field V talks about the bitter feud that almost brought down the Fields' empire, and the tragedies that claimed the lives of his great-grandfather and grandfather. Follow the family's forays into publishing and other businesses, ventures that have increased the Fields' fortune to $500 million. And hear what the future may hold for one of the most famous families in America.