TheArchive: Reviewing the Rare, Retro, and Restored

Labor Day, a national holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September, honors the contributions of American workers and their relentless fight for fair labor practices. While it's a day often associated with barbecues, parades, and the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day's roots are steeped in the labor movement's history—a history marked by both progress and setbacks. One film in our library that captures the harsh realities workers have faced is the 1993 made-for-TV movie For Their Own Good , directed by Ed Kaplan. For Their Own Good tells the harrowing story of Sally Wheeler, a factory worker at the crossroads of personal freedom and economic survival. Set in a small-town factory, Sally and her fellow female workers are given an unimaginable ultimatum: agree to be sterilized or lose their jobs. The film is based on true events , reflecting a dark chapter in labor history where workers, particularly women, were subjected to coercive practices under the guise of &qu

This 4th of July weekend, TheArchive spotlights independence by sharing several stories that commemorate choice and the freedom that privacy and decision can afford. Of course, we also include our classic Beyond the Mask : an action adventure filled with the battles that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  We start with the story of a teenager's soul-searching after becoming emancipated from her family and joining a traveling carnival.  Freedom stars Mare Winningham and features six songs that Janis Ian wrote for her to perform in the movie. Four time emmy winner and director of Taking of Pelham One Two Three Joe Sargent, helmed. Jennifer Warren, Tony Bill, Peter Horton, and Taylor Negron also star. For Their Own Good finds Factory worker Sally Wheeler receiving an ultimatum from her employer: she must agree to be sterilized or she will be fired. Now Sally and her coworkers must enter a bitter trial to fight back. Elizabeth Perkins, Colleen Camp, and Laura San