Rent Prohibition Series (2011)
4.0 of 5 from 62 ratings
6h 0min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
"Prohibition", a three-part documentary series, is the fascinating story of idealism, folly, and above all, unintended consequences. In 1920, after a century of debate, America amends the Constitution to ban the manufacture and sale of alcohol, turning millions of law-abiding citizens into lawbreakers overnight. Over the next 13 years, a society founded on individual freedom becomes a nation of scofflaws - and hypocrites. Here are the stories of the small-time whiskey-jobbers, big-time bootleggers, and brutal gangsters; flappers dancing the Charleston in speakeasies; immigrant families stomping grapes in basements and making moonshine in their backyards. But beyond the cocktails, this is also a darker tale about divisive single-issue lobbyists; fear-mongering and smear campaigns; and the perils of unfunded mandates. It raises profound questions about the proper role of government, individual rights and responsibilities, and who is and who is not a real American.
By the 1930s, few can deny that Prohibition is a disaster, and with the country in the throes of the Great Depression, Americans have finally had enough. In 1933, they come to their senses and repeal the 18th Amendment, putting an end to the "Noble Experiment".- Actors:
- Adam Arkin, Philip Bosco, Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Conway, Peter Coyote, Blythe Danner, Paul Giamatti, Tom Hanks, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, John Lithgow, Josh Lucas, Amy Madigan, Carolyn McCormick, Oliver Platt, Campbell Scott, Frances Sternhagen, Joanne Tucker, Sam Waterston, Noah Feldman
- Directors:
- Ken Burns, Lynn Novick
- Producers:
- Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, Karen Kenton, Jean Lane, Lynn Novick
- Voiced By:
- Patricia Clarkson, Paul Giamatti, Tom Hanks, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Josh Lucas, Amy Madigan, Oliver Platt, John Lithgow, Blythe Danner, Philip Bosco, Adam Arkin, Kevin Conway, Sam Waterston, Joanne Tucker, Frances Sternhagen, Campbell Scott, Carolyn McCormick
- Narrated By:
- Peter Coyote
- Writers:
- Geoffrey C. Ward
- Studio:
- Go Entertain
- Genres:
- TV Crimes, TV Documentaries, TV Political
- Collections:
- Getting to Know :Tom Hanks
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Reviews (2) of Prohibition Series
Ken Burns brings the past alive again - Prohibition Series review by JG
Another tour of the Americsn past, well argued and illustrated.
For English audiences the treatment may be overlong and detailed, and perhaps I would rate as three stars for those not seriously interested in the period or the issues.
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Another great survey of the past - Prohibition Series review by ST
Ken Burns as always covers his subjects in great detail, giving a comprehensive picture of history. Varying viewpoints are mentioned which gives a rounded if not always balanced overview.
Great archive photography as always and a compelling narrative / narration.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.