That includes drinking while watching TV—even during the most malicious sporting events. But last week offered a notable exception. Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s Prohibition—their latest and often brilliant social history—served up among many, many things a 5-hour hammering in generic product placement. For 5+ hours, the yang of WCTU, Anti-Saloon League, and Carrie Nation alternated with the yin of toasting in bars, partying in speakeasies, and--above all--the sensuous, aesthetically captivating flow of spirits from bottles into glasses. Given the unrelenting cadences and heavenly lengths of Burns and Novick’s production, who (besides the great granddaughters of the WCTU) would spite me for dispatching a beer with each episode?
The greater question, of course, is--was there a national spike in alcohol consumption during the airing? And if you lack the will and resources to settle that matter, what transpired in front of your own TV during the nights of October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd?Sample the preview:
3 comments:
Glad W&P is back, Lou! Thanks.
---Ray
I make it a point never to watch a Ken Burns documentary. Many recent doc's are done in an annoying present tense style, which could easily drive one to drink.
Jeeze, It's 9:00 on a Sunday morning but just looking at the promo makes me want a drink. And gosh I'm a responsible fellow rarely having a nip before 10:00.
Hobo Joe
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