Prohibition (2011– )

The story of the American activist struggle against the influence of alcohol, climaxing in the failed early 20th century nationwide era when it was banned.

Stars:

Adam Arkin, Philip Bosco, Patricia Clarkson

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 3 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Adam Arkin		(3 episodes, 2011)
Philip Bosco		(3 episodes, 2011)
Patricia Clarkson	...	Eliza Hackett (3 episodes, 2011)
Kevin Conway		(3 episodes, 2011)
Peter Coyote	...	Himself (3 episodes, 2011)
Blythe Danner		(3 episodes, 2011)
Paul Giamatti	...	George Remus (3 episodes, 2011)
Tom Hanks	...	Himself (3 episodes, 2011)
Jeremy Irons	...	Himself (3 episodes, 2011)
Samuel L. Jackson		(3 episodes, 2011)
John Lithgow	...	HL Mencken (3 episodes, 2011)
Josh Lucas	...	Himself (3 episodes, 2011)
Amy Madigan		(3 episodes, 2011)
Carolyn McCormick		(3 episodes, 2011)
Oliver Platt		(3 episodes, 2011)
Campbell Scott		(3 episodes, 2011)
Frances Sternhagen		(3 episodes, 2011)
Joanne Tucker		(3 episodes, 2011)
Sam Waterston		(3 episodes, 2011)
Noah Feldman	...	Himself (2 episodes, 2011)
Catherine Gilbert Murdock	...	Herself (2 episodes, 2011)
Pete Hamill	...	Himself (2 episodes, 2011)
Michael Lerner	...	Himself (2 episodes, 2011)
William Leuchtenburg	...	Himself (2 episodes, 2011)
Martin Marty	...	Himself (2 episodes, 2011)
Daniel Okrent	...	Himself (2 episodes, 2011)
Jack Roche	...	Himself (2 episodes, 2011)
John Paul Stevens	...	Himself (2 episodes, 2011)

Storyline

Throughout American history, heavy alcohol consumption has been a pervasive part of its national social character. However in the 1800s, a growing Temperance movement arose determined to oppose the destructive habit by any means necessary. This series tells the story of this crusade until it achieved its ultimate goal of passing the 18th Amendment of the US Constitution which imposed prohibition. After that victory, the series covers this social reform's disastrous unintended consequences that encouraged clandestine drinking and organized crime while undermining civil liberties and society's respect for the law in ways that still reverberate today.

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Plot Keywords:

alcohol | prohibition repeal | drunkenness | 1930s | reform movement | 

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Taglines:

How did a nation founded on rights ever go so wrong?

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Genres:

Documentary | History

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 October 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Förbudstiden i USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Florentine Films, PBS, WETA

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #28.10 (2011)

User Reviews

Excellence throughout.

This is the latest documentary series from Ken Burns--the docu-god for Public Broadcasting. Not surprisingly, with his amazing reputation for perfection, he was able to once again get many of America's top actors to provide their voice talents to the shows--such as Tom Hanks, Sam Waterston and Blythe Danner. And, like so many PBS documentaries, Peter Coyote narrates more than capably.

The miniseries consists of three episodes. The first is about the background leading to Prohibition--the temperance movement and problems with alcohol over-consumption. It also ends with the implementation of the Constitutional Amendment. Part Two is about the practical aspects of the law. The difficulty in enforcement is due to a lack of widespread support, loopholes in the law as well as the way the law actually ENCOURAGED the growth of organized crime. Part Three is about the rising dislike of the law that led to its repeal.

Overall, it's yet another very good series by Ken Burn and is among the best shows you can find on the topic. Well worth your time--and it manages to make an educational show fun...of sorts.