Episodes
A Nation of Drunkards
The start of the temperance movement in the 19th century under the stewardship of such leaders as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frances Willard and Carry Nation; and the Anti-Saloon League, which pushed for a constitutional amendment that would ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol.
A Nation of Scofflaws
The problems that the Volstead Act and Prohibition caused, including a possible increase in alcoholism due to women frequenting the illicit speakeasies that replaced male-only saloons; adulterated liquor that poisons some drinkers; and civil-rights violations by overzealous federal agents anxious to make arrests. Despite the public's growing opposition to the ban, few politicians dare to speak against it due to the political might of the Anti-Saloon League.
A Nation of Hypocrites
The factors that led to the end of Prohibition. The criminalizing of alcohol feeds large profits into the coffers of criminal organizations and turns such gangsters as Al Capone into celebrities. Wealthy Pauline Sabin encourages the repeal of the 18th Amendment; and brings together women from all classes who support her position. The 21st Amendment, which repeals the 18th, is adopted after Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 election and by late 1933 people can again legally buy drinks.
Cast
Peter Coyote
Self - Narrator (voice)
Daniel Okrent
Self - Author
Pete Hamill
Self - Historian
Noah Feldman
Self - Legal Scholar
Adam Arkin
Reader (voice)
Philip Bosco
Reader (voice)
Patricia Clarkson
Reader / Carrie Nation (voice)
Kevin Conway
Reader (voice)
Blythe Danner
Reader (voice)
Paul Giamatti
Reader / George Remus (voice)
Crew
Erik Ewers
Editor
David Obermeyer
Sound Recordist
John Zecca
Sound Recordist
Robert Silverthorne
Sound Recordist
Mark Roy
Sound Recordist
Scott Harber
Sound Recordist
Dominick Tavella
Sound Re-Recording Mixer
Anthony Savini
Gaffer
McKay McFadden
Associate Producer
Mike Welt
Co-Producer
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