One Woman, One Vote

First broadcast in February 1995 as part of the PBS series, The American Experience, to mark the 75th anniversary of the constitutional amendment granting American women the right to vote, this superb documentary gives a well-rounded history of the suffrage movement, beginning with the first women's rights convention in 1848 (attended by 300 women and 40 men!). This is an all-inclusive treatment, featuring the conflicts which arose among the various factions of the pro-vote movement; the backlash of women who opposed suffrage; and the role of educated black women, who were rebuffed by their sisters, but supported by black men. Coverage of the political geography of the movement, the changing political agenda of President Wilson as he slowly came to support suffrage as a constitutional issue, and the courage of women who defied the law to vote and were imprisoned for their beliefs all add dimension to the story. The saga ends on August 18, 1920, when Harry Burn changed his mind and cast the decisive vote because his mother had written him a letter urging him to support the issue. With that one vote the constitutional amendment was ratified. Moving, enlightening, well balanced: this is an outstanding documentary. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Reed)