Prohibition

This 3-part, 5 1/2 hour documentary film series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick tells the story of the rise, rule, and fall of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the era it encompassed. The culmination of nearly a century of activism, Prohibition was intended to protect individuals, families, and society at large from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse. But a faith-driven moral code in the Constitution paradoxically caused millions of Americans to rethink their definition of morality. Thugs became celebrities, authority was rendered impotent. Social mores in place for a century were obliterated. Liquor consumption rocketed, propelling the rest of the culture with it: skirts shortened. Music heated up. America's Sweetheart morphed into The Vamp. Prohibition turned law-abiding citizens into criminals, made a mockery of the justice system, caused illicit drinking to seem glamorous, encouraged neighborhood gangs to become national crime syndicates, and fostered cynicism and hypocrisy that corroded the social contract all across the country. The film raises vital questions that are as relevant today as they were 100 years ago - about means and ends, individual rights and responsibilities, the proper role of government and finally, who is - and who is not - a real American..

Wed, Sep 24 4:30 P.M. A Nation of Drunkards     NH Explore (11.2)

Since the early years of the American Republic, alcohol has been embedded in the fabric of American culture.

Sun, Sep 28 11:00 A.M. A Nation of Scofflaws     NH Explore (11.2)

In 1920, Prohibition goes into effect, making it illegal to manufacture, transport or sell intoxicating liquor.

Wed, Oct 1 4:00 P.M. A Nation of Scofflaws     NH Explore (11.2)

In 1920, Prohibition goes into effect, making it illegal to manufacture, transport or sell intoxicating liquor.

Thu, Oct 2 3:00 A.M. A Nation of Scofflaws     NH Explore (11.2)

In 1920, Prohibition goes into effect, making it illegal to manufacture, transport or sell intoxicating liquor.

Sun, Oct 5 11:00 A.M. A Nation of Hypocrites     NH Explore (11.2)

Support for Prohibition diminishes in the mid-1920s as the playfulness of sneaking around for a drink gives way to disenchantment with its glaring unintended consequences.

Wed, Oct 8 4:00 P.M. A Nation of Hypocrites     NH Explore (11.2)

Support for Prohibition diminishes in the mid-1920s as the playfulness of sneaking around for a drink gives way to disenchantment with its glaring unintended consequences.

Thu, Oct 9 3:00 A.M. A Nation of Hypocrites     NH Explore (11.2)

Support for Prohibition diminishes in the mid-1920s as the playfulness of sneaking around for a drink gives way to disenchantment with its glaring unintended consequences.


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