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Prohibition

Prohibition
★ 7.9/10•2011•1h 50m•TV-14•Documentary
Similars

As a battle raged… an era roared

The history of the rise, rule and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the entire era it encompassed (1920-33). After nearly a century of activism, Prohibition was intended to improve the lives of all citizens by protecting individuals, families and society at large from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse; but paradoxically it made millions of people rethink their definition of morality.

StatusEnded
Runtime1h 50m
LanguageEN
First Air DateOct 2, 2011

Episodes

Episode 1 - A Nation of DrunkardsE196m

A Nation of Drunkards

The start of the temperance movement in the 19th century under the stewardship of such leaders as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frances Willard and Carry Nation; and the Anti-Saloon League, which pushed for a constitutional amendment that would ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol.

Oct 2, 2011

Episode 2 - A Nation of ScofflawsE2120m

A Nation of Scofflaws

The problems that the Volstead Act and Prohibition caused, including a possible increase in alcoholism due to women frequenting the illicit speakeasies that replaced male-only saloons; adulterated liquor that poisons some drinkers; and civil-rights violations by overzealous federal agents anxious to make arrests. Despite the public's growing opposition to the ban, few politicians dare to speak against it due to the political might of the Anti-Saloon League.

Oct 3, 2011

Episode 3 - A Nation of HypocritesE3107m

A Nation of Hypocrites

The factors that led to the end of Prohibition. The criminalizing of alcohol feeds large profits into the coffers of criminal organizations and turns such gangsters as Al Capone into celebrities. Wealthy Pauline Sabin encourages the repeal of the 18th Amendment; and brings together women from all classes who support her position. The 21st Amendment, which repeals the 18th, is adopted after Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 election and by late 1933 people can again legally buy drinks.

Oct 4, 2011

Actors

Peter Coyote

Peter Coyote

Self - Narrator (voice)

Daniel Okrent

Daniel Okrent

Self - Author

Pete Hamill

Pete Hamill

Self - Historian

Noah Feldman

Noah Feldman

Self - Legal Scholar

Adam Arkin

Adam Arkin

Reader (voice)

Philip Bosco

Philip Bosco

Reader (voice)

Patricia Clarkson

Patricia Clarkson

Reader / Carrie Nation (voice)

Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway

Reader (voice)

Blythe Danner

Blythe Danner

Reader (voice)

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti

Reader / George Remus (voice)

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks

Reader / Roy Olmstead (voice)

Jeremy Irons

Jeremy Irons

Reader (voice)

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson

Reader (voice)

John Lithgow

John Lithgow

Reader / H.L. Mencken (voice)

Josh Lucas

Josh Lucas

Reader (voice)

Amy Madigan

Amy Madigan

Reader (voice)

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