Product Details

• Format: Color, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Dubbed: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: PBS
• DVD Release Date: September 28, 2004
• Run Time: 180 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000BITUIO
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,759 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Feminism is a problematic word: to some it means the ongoing struggle for the equal rights of women; for others the connotations are derogatory, the word conjuring images of emasculating woman. And for still others, mostly the younger generation who grew up with mothers in the workforce, the term is outdated, referring to a movement whose relevance is diminishing. Postfeminism, antifeminism, the feminist backlash--these terms are wielded with little understanding of the context in which the feminist movement was born. Luckily, Ken Burns and Paul Barnes have created this superb documentary, Not for Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, to remind us of the roots of the women's movement and to show just how far we have come in such a short period of time.

In the 19th century, Susan B. Anthony had few choices for her life: to live with a husband as "a doll or a drudge" (marry a poor man, she explains, and you spend your life doing housework as a drudge; marry a rich man, and you spend your life prettying yourself up and looking like a doll), to work as a schoolteacher, or to live with her family as an "old maid." And while she chose the life of the spinster to retain her independence, she didn't resign herself to a life of leisure. Born into a Quaker family devoted to abolition, Anthony championed the reform movement and dedicated herself to the suffragette life. In contrast, Elizabeth Cady Stanton married and had many children, yet this did not stop her from seeking the vote for women. A friendship with Lucretia Mott sparked a desire in this abolitionist to work for the cause of women, and Stanton and Anthony eventually teamed up to fire up the revolution of women in the United States.

This documentary, in the now-well-known Burns style--actors reading the works of Stanton and Anthony, archival footage and photos, commentary from historians--highlights not just the work of these women, but their friendship and their lives. Stanton and Anthony didn't live long enough to cast votes themselves, but their legacies and their struggles live today. Not for Ourselves Alone is a stunning testimonial to what's been accomplished and brings to life the two women to whom every female in the U.S. owes a tremendous debt. --Jenny Brown

Product Description

Two women, one allegiance. Together Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony fought for women everywhere, and their strong willpower and sheer determination still ripple through contemporary society. Ken Burns' Emmyr Award-winning documentary recounts the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of two pioneers striving to give birth to the women's movement. Not until after their deaths was their shared vision of women's suffrage realized.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Way to L:earn About Suffragism April 6, 2008

By SRG

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Not For Ourselves Alone" is informative and inspiring. Watching it in the context of the 2008 presidential election is fascinating, since one can draw many parallels between the struggles of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the campaign of Hillary Clinton. The film also stands as a beautiful portrait of friendship and devotion to a cause. The "talking heads" make outstanding points, and the storyline of the film builds to the inevitable conclusion: women get the right to vote. Knowing about all the hardships and hard work that led to that moment is truly enriching, and that knowledge is what this film provides.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the top 5 best video documentaries I've ever seen... November 2, 2000

By Rosemary Thornton VINE™ VOICE

Format:VHS Tape

And I've seen a LOT of video documentaries!

I always thought of myself as somewhat well-informed on the topic of American History, but I knew virtually nothing about these two incredible women.

Their friendship, the beautiful blending of their unique gifts to create one stupendous and powerful whole of a suffrage movement, their dedication and devotion - all these elements combined to make this story perfectly wonderful.

I borrowed the video from our local library, but I think I need to buy it. I've watched it twice and wept tears of joy and gratitude at these womens' sacrifice and unselfish labors for all womankind. It is a delight to watch.

I just had no idea women had to fight so hard and so long to be granted a basic human right like voting.

And Elizabeth's "best" lecture, "The Solitude of Self" was one of the most powerful essays I've ever heard. Very stirring and inspiring. Even the [background] music was superior.

This video will not leave you where it found you. Should be required viewing for everyone. Period.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for the entire family December 15, 1999

By Coyner Thomas Lee

Format:VHS Tape

Both men and women need to understand where human rights were once and how far they have progressed at the sacrifice of the very few during the past 150 years. This is classic Ken Burns offering his unique kind of perspective. I am giving this to my niece who will soon be leaving home as a young woman. I hope EVERYONE in her family - both male and female - will view this tape since both sexes need to better understand what women have faced and continue to face in making meaningful lives through their own talents and abilities. If nothing else this video exemplifies courage and determination in the finest and yet most human sense.