Ken Burns: Prohibition

Ken Burns: Prohibition

Documentary 2011

Available on Prime Video

Passed in January 1920, Prohibition signalled one of the most notorious periods in American history.

Documentary 2011

Starring John Lithgow, Campbell Scott, Peter Coyote

EPISODE 1

A Nation of Drunkards

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League push for an amendment to the Constitution outlawing alcohol nationally.

1 hr 34 min · 2 Oct 2011
EPISODE 2

A Nation of Scofflaws

Enforcing the new law of Prohibition creates problems.

1 hr 50 min · 3 Oct 2011
EPISODE 3

A Nation of Hypocrites

By the close of the 1920s, many blame the law for the rise of criminal syndicates, promiscuity, and a sense that the entire government is corrupted. Once the Great Depression sets in, Americans begin to re-examine their priorities. By December of 1933, Prohibition's reign finally comes to an end under President Franklin D Roosevelt, and for the first time in 13 years, Americans can legally buy a drink.

1 hr 44 min · 4 Oct 2011

John Lithgow

Voice
Campbell Scott

Reader
Peter Coyote

Narrator
Lynn Novick

Director
Ken Burns

Director

About

Ken Burns: Prohibition

DOCUMENTARY

Passed in January 1920, Prohibition signalled one of the most notorious periods in American history.

Information

Studio: PBS
Released: 2011

Languages

Original Audio: English (Australia), French
Audio: English (United States) (AAC)
Subtitles: English (CC)

Accessibility

: Closed captions refer to subtitles in available languages with the addition of relevant non-dialogue information.