The Martha Mitchell Effect
By Sabrina McFarland,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
White House Cabinet wife seeks truth; language; violence.
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The Martha Mitchell Effect
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What's the Story?
In THE MARTHA MITCHELL EFFECT, the outspoken political activist, mom, and spouse of a White House official takes a no-holds-barred stance with the U.S. Executive Branch. Martha Mitchell faults the team for the 1973 break-in of the Democratic National Committee's Watergate headquarters. She also claims that accusations about the burglary may have put her own life at risk and shattered her marriage, but Martha remains steadfast in telling what may be true.
Is It Any Good?
Calling all history buffs to watch this stirring documentary about a woman's life during a notable bygone era. "A political wife isn't like a normal person that can do and say what they please," says Martha Mitchell in The Martha Mitchell Effect. "But I do say what I please." Speaking her mind sets Martha Mitchell apart from the usual Washington, D.C. social scene as seen through the lens of original interviews and archival footage and photos. The community was "run by White men at the White House," recalls journalist Connie Chung, "and men at every single Cabinet level."
Cabinet team member Dwight Chapin, Deputy Assistant to U.S President Richard M. Nixon, remarks that "if Martha was coming to dinner at the White House people were on alert. Women were more reserved then, but not Martha. It wasn't that [Nixon] didn't like women. It was that he didn't like loud women." The legacy of Martha Mitchell's legendary shout-outs may prove to be an important and educational tool for older kids and teens to learn about surviving with seemingly insurmountable odds.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage of Martha Mitchell in The Martha Mitchell Effect. How does she also demonstrate communication and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Why is it important for Martha Mitchell to share with the public what she knows about the Watergate burglary? Was the outcome of the crime fair? Why or why not?
How effective is the teamwork between Martha Mitchell and the press in getting the Watergate story told? How would this historic chapter in politics play out in today's social media landscape?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 17, 2022
- Cast: Martha Mitchell , John Mitchell , Richard Nixon
- Directors: Anne Alvergue , Debra McClutchy
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , Friendship , Great Girl Role Models , History
- Character Strengths: Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 40 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some thematic elements, language, and smoking
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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