NORMAL - When American Experience airs its Alexander Hamilton biopic Monday night on the "reckless genius" of America's founding fathers, Twin City residents may recognize a familiar ISU face. Richard Payne, distinguished Illinois State University professor of politics and government, is among scholars in the film. He's optimistic the show will renew Americans' interest in Hamilton.

"It's time we start looking back and ask why he's been neglected. His is one of the most fascinating stories in American history," said Payne, author of an upcoming book on Hamilton.

Earlier this month, Payne attended the New York City premiere of "Hamilton," which he describes as similar to Ken Burns' "Civil War" series, switching between dramatic re-enactments and conversations with scholars. Biographer Ron Chernow and historians Carol Berkin, Joanne Freeman, Karl Walling and Gordon Wood join Payne.

In the role of Hamilton is Tony Award-winning actor Brian F. O'Byrne.

The first U.S. secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton pushed for the economic building blocks of banks and bonds, orchestrated a strong federal government and national army, and forged the U.S. global presence.

Hamilton bringing sexy back?

But Hamilton's got something else. When it comes to studying the early days of the United States, he's bringing sexy back.

His colorful character will keep viewers glued to tonight's show, said Muffie Meyer, who directed and produced the Middlemarch Films work.

"As for the economics and systems he developed, we make it simple and relevant to people. And it is tied to affairs and blackmail, scandals" of an orphaned immigrant who helped create the United States, she said.

Hamilton's adulterous relationship with Maria Reynolds led to one of the nation's most famous political sex scandals, and his life-ending duel with Aaron Burr, at the prime of his life, was the stuff of soap operas, she said.

"He was like a son to George Washington, but he and Thomas Jefferson hated each other, I mean, hated each other," she added.

Payne calls Washington and Hamilton's relationship an "indispensable partnership" that created Washington as the symbol of the United States and Hamilton as its behind-the-scenes conductor.

The author of numerous books, Payne has taught at ISU since the 1970s. He's now selecting a publisher for the book, "Hamilton's America."

The book starts with Hamilton's Caribbean roots, and outlines why Payne sees the immigrant founder as one of the most important architects of the United States as we know it. The Caribbean is a starting point to which Payne can relate: He also emigrated to the United States after being born and raised there.

The ISU professor says the story of an orphan of modest means, immigrating to the United States and using his towering intellect to build a nation should captivate all.

"He is the American dream," said Payne.

On the Net

Program preview: http://www.tpt.org/NPD/hamilton/hamilton_preview_4min.html

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Founding fodder

Alexander Hamilton is the subject of PBS' "American Experience" on Monday night. The program features Richard Payne, an Illinois State University professor and author of the upcoming book "Hamilton's America: How a Caribbean Immigrant Shaped the World's Greatest Country." Below are some details on Hamilton's life (1757-1804):

Immigrant view: Born and raised in the Caribbean, Hamilton, an orphan from modest beginnings, arrived as a teen in the colonies. He's the only founder not born in the 13 colonies.

Revolutionary hero: Hamilton quit college and formed an artillery company. He soon became a confidante to George Washington. Many call Hamilton a surrogate son to the nation's first president.

Economic genius: First U.S. secretary of the Treasury, he is credited with laying the groundwork for Wall Street and building post-revolutionary worldview of the United States. His face graces the $10 bill.

Strength of a nation: Hamilton, who wrote "The Federalist Papers," is known for developing a strong national army, executive privilege, judicial review, the idea of implied power and more.

Political scandal: His affair with Maria Reynolds, and subsequent blackmail, is one of the best-known and earliest U.S. political sex scandals.

Honor: Died in 1804 following a duel with rival Aaron Burr in New York City.

Local lessons: "Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made America" national touring exhibit stops at ISU's Milner Library in fall 2008. Until then, check out Milner's holdings, which include "The Federalist Papers" and a 12-volume set of Hamilton's "Complete Works" published in 1903.

SOURCES: Muffie Meyer, film director; Richard Payne, Hamilton biographer; Toni Tucker, Milner Library.

Compiled by Michele Steinbacher

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American Experience

What: "Alexander Hamilton" on American Experience, featuring commentary from ISU professor Richard Payne

When: 8 p.m. Monday, 2 hours

Local channels: WTVP Peoria, WILL Champaign and other PBS affiliates

Details: A Middlemarch Films production in association with Twin Cities Public Television and WGBH Boston

On the Net: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/hamilton/index.html