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“10 Days in a Madhouse” film opens in November 2015 on Vimeo.

by Marguerite Kearns

Welcome to Suffrage Wagon Cafe that has been publishing since March 2015, Women’s History Month. Catch up on the past programs.

I had the pleasure recently of interviewing Susan Goforth and Timothy Hines. Susan is the producer and her husband Timothy Hines, the director of “10 Days in a Madhouse.” The film starring Caroline Barry, Christopher Lambert, Kelly LeBrock and others is being released in US theaters starting this week.

The production is based on Nellie Bly’s actual undercover investigative reporting on Blackwell’s Island, a mental hospital before the turn of the 20th century. It’s an important film, the type of production that’s in short supply these days –a work about women who are more than secondary characters, but rather pivotal individuals who move the plot forward.

THE U.S. FILM THAT TRANSFORMED THE PEOPLE WHO MADE IT!

"10 Days in a Madhouse" film“10 Days in a Madhouse” producer Susan Goforth had this to say when we first corresponded about the film in production: “I’m sure there are many women out there inspired by Nellie Bly as you and I. More than ever, we need a positive female role model for the upcoming year. It’s my privilege to serve in the making of this movie, a movie far greater than the sum of its parts, a movie that has already transformed the lives of the hundreds of people who helped make it. Surely Nellie Bly’s spirit has been involved in making this amazing film!”

I read the Nellie Bly biography by Brooke Kroeger and found it a fascinating account of her life. That’s when I found out many more details about Nellie, including her press coverage of the U.S. women’s rights movement. Nellie’s interview with Susan B. Anthony opened people’s eyes across the nation about this icon as a private person as well as her dedication as a women’s rights activist over decades. Nellie also covered the 1913 big suffrage parade in Washington, DC. She spoke her mind and attracted attention and scrutiny about a wide variety of issues. This film is opening doors to an understanding of women in the past who have made a difference.

NELLIE BLY AS A SUFFRAGE ACTIVIST AND MUCH MORE

Librivox, Nellie BlyBut “10 Days in a Madhouse” isn’t about Nellie as a suffrage activist. That’s background. The film expands our understanding of Nellie’s undercover journalistic coverage that opened the door for change in funding and policy making for publicly-funded institutions. It’s shocking. It’s informative. And the film is a must see.

The film stays true to Nellie’s journalistic accomplishments in a production that’s expected to be in the spotlight during the Academy awards in 2016. You can see it now. The production features 90% women. It’s a valuable tool for teaching and learning about Nellie Bly and her cutting-edge work in investigative journalism.

Listen to the entire print coverage of “10 Days in a Madhouse” featuring Nellie herself on Librivox. The Suffrage Wagon News Channel edited version is shorter (about 4 minutes). Stretch out with the audio before you see the film. More coming soon about “10 Days in a Madhouse.”

SuffragetteWhile you’re planning for a night out on the town, add the film “Suffragette”to your list. Susan Goforth and Timothy Hines believe the two films together will have people talking and thinking for quite a while. Support women filmmakers, performers, directors, producers, and production staff. We’re about to witness change when it comes to women in the entertainment industry. Support what’s on its way and demonstrate that we want more!

Cup of coffeeThank you for stopping by Suffrage Wagon Cafe.

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SuffrageCentennials.com features trends, news and views about suffrage centennials. “Choose it and Use it” is a video reminding us of how the past is linked to what we do today, as well as its impact on the future. We’re celebrating voting rights and women’s freedom to vote! Join us.

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