Dare to Repair: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Home Improvement

Sexist overtones in the title aside, women have struggled with the idea of home repairs ever since Betty Rubble's dishwasher first overflowed onto the cave floor. And even though the solution to that particular mishap is beyond the scope of this PBS-aired production, hosts Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakás-Tenet present a persuasive case for women to be more knowledgeable about everyday problems around the home. Along with a studio audience, viewers are shown how to rid the dishwasher of suds if the wrong detergent is used, unclog a garbage disposal/toilet/sink, label an electric panel and turn off a water main, free a stuck window, repair drywall, install a new doorknob and a toilet seat, level a washing machine and change its hoses, secure a rug to the floor, and choose necessary tools. Though the two lady repairers are not exactly the most polished on-air talent (given to forced banter and lame, scripted jokes), they do a great job of explaining and demonstrating each fix (although I do wish there had been close-ups of the tools). Boasting additional footage not shown in the PBS special, Dare to Repair is recommended. [Note: Paramount Home Video also distributes the DVD home video version for $19.99 through most distributors.] Aud: P. (K. Glaser)