Means of Grace

Synopsis: Ann Clements Conger was an ambitious journalist in the 1940’s. In the 1950’s she became a mother, and torn between her domestic roles and her career, she began a frightening journey into the world of hallucinations, tranquilizers and institutionalization. Diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia, she, like thousands of other American women, was committed against her will, and given electric shock therapy. Through the use of home movie footage, archival footage and dramatizations, Means of Grace raises questions about social control, definitions of madness, the nuclear family, women’s roles and the Cold War. We meet her daughter, the filmmaker, as she wrestles with questions of doubt, shame, understanding and resoultion.
Language: English
Country: United States
Year of release: 1996
Subjects: Social Studies; Women’s studies; Mental Health and Counselling
Keywords: feminism; gender issues

Name: New Day Films
Email: orders@newday.com
Web: http://www.newday.com/ External site opens in new window
Phone: + 1 888 367 9154
Fax: +1 845 774 2945
Address: 190 Route 17M, Suite D
Harriman
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Notes: New Day Films is a US-based, filmmaker-run, production and distribution company that has been providing award-winning films to educators since 1971. Democratically run by more than 100 filmmaker members, New Day delivers over 150 titles on social and political issues that illuminate, challenge and inspire. Topics include ageing, human rights, religion, law & criminal justice, etc. Sale on DVD, or online streaming via New Day Digital - http://www.newdaydigital.com/

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