You May Call Her Madam Secretary

An exceptional woman with a penchant for hats, a driving sense of social obligation to the poor and hungry, and little or no nose for politics--this was Frances Perkins. Disinterest in politics, notwithstanding, Perkins rose to become the U.S. Secretary of Labor under F.D.R. During this period, Perkins was a pivotal figure in the creation of the Social Security Administration, the forty-hour ceiling on the work week, establishing minimum safety requirements, and mandatory retirement. The filmmakers, Robert and Marjory Potts have intercut historical photographs within a dramatic story frame. Noted actress Frances Sternhagen plays the role of Perkins on camera, and Robert Potts adopts a surprising range of male roles in counterpoint. This is an excellent documentary about the first woman cabinet member in history. Winner of a Red Ribbon at the American Film Festival, this past June. Highly recommended for both school and public libraries. (Available from: Vineyard Video Productions, Elias Lane, West Tisbury, MA 02575).