Thursday, November 12, 2015

Real Suffragettes and Heroines – BBC’s Story of Women & Power




Featuring the stories of some of the most notable women in history, The Story of Women and Power makes its North American DVD Debut on November 3, 2015 from Athena, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Historian Amanda Vickery (The Story of Women & Art) takes viewers on a journey to uncover the centuries-long struggle for women’s equality in Britain. From Queen Victoria and her progressive views on women’s rights to Emmeline Pankhurst and her suffragettes, Vickery reveals the long-forgotten heroes and heroines who dedicated their lives to the cause of equality for men and women. Originally broadcast on the U.K.’s BBC Two in February 2015, the three-part documentary delves into the often overlooked stories of systemic female oppression throughout history, such as the history of wife sales and the Epsom Derby tragedy. This DVD single features three episodes ($34.99, AcornOnline.com). The miniseries is also available to watch at any time on Acorn TV, the premier streaming service for world class television from Britain and beyond at www.Acorn.TV. The DVD release coincides with the upcoming release of the new film, Suffragette, which stars three-time Oscar®-winner Meryl Streep as Emmeline Pankhurst, as well as Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter.


In this sweeping, often shocking series, historian Amanda Vickery tells the untold story of British women’s fight for equality, a centuries-old battle of women vs. men.



Vickery profiles key figures including Mary Wollstonecraft, the mother of feminism; Hannah More, who found ways for women to enter public life; and suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst. She visits the Houses of Parliament, Queen Victoria’s holiday home, and a livestock market where men once sold their wives at auction. And she converses frankly with other experts, among them current Member of Parliament Stella Creasy and Viscount Astor, son of Nancy Astor, the first female MP.



Passionate about her subject, Vickery guides us through history, from an early march for women’s rights in 1649 to a notorious incident in 1738, when the Duchess of Queensberry crashed the House of Lords, to the violent, militant activities of the Edwardian suffragettes and the modern-day campaign to put a woman on a British bank note. And she reminds us that the fight is not over yet.


Street Date: November 3, 2015                                      SRP: $34.99     

DVD Single: 3 episodes – Approx. 180 min. – SDH Subtitles

UPC 054961244294                                                       ISBN 978-1-62172-442-1



My Thoughts


The Story of Women & Power is a powerful documentary about the real women who fought for equality for women in England throughout history. These are some of the women who set the foundation for the women's movement, and their stories are inspirational. There are three episodes in the set, each detailing another section of British history. Here are a few highlights from each episode. 

Episode One - In the 1640s women march of Parliament against the Levellors. Later, Mary Wollstonecraft promotes equality through teaching and her books.  In 1819, a peaceful demonstration turns bloody when women are attacked. Emily Wilding Davison becomes a suffragette martyr. Mary Hilton is burned at the stake for murdering her husband.

Episode Two - Queen Victoria declares women's rights "wicked folly".  Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters start the suffragette movement in 1903.  In 1890 a female undergrad is denied a degree even though her grades are better than the boys.

Episode Three - In 1919 Nancy Aster becomes the first female Prime Minister. Also touches on women's part in WWII and how women are still struggling for equality today.

This amazing documentary is something that all woman need to watch to truly understand the battle our ancestors fought. Though we still have a long way to go for true equality,  this does show how far we've already come.  If you want a copy of this amazing documentary for yourself, its available online at Acorn Media and on Amazon. 





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