Prohibition is a three-part, five-and-a-half-hour documentary film series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick that tells the story of the rise, rule, and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the entire 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 story of Prohibition’s rise and fall is a compelling saga that goes far beyond the oft-told tales of gangsters, rum runners, flappers, and speakeasies, to reveal a complicated and divided nation in the throes of momentous transformation. 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.
The three-part series will air at the following times:
- October 2 at 8 p.m.: A Nation of Drunkards
- October 3 at 8 p.m.: A Nation of Scofflaws
- October 4 at 9 p.m.: A Nation of Hypocrites
Get a sneak peak at the documentary in the video below:
Watch the full episode. See more Ken Burns.
>> Create personalized postcards using images from Prohibition and email them to friends or family.
