Set in the era of bathtub gin, bootleggers and speakeasies, Prohibition tells the true story of the rise, rule and fall of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It was called the Noble Experiment, but it was in fact one of America’s most notorious civic failures, an object lesson in the challenge of legislating human behavior. New from celebrated filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, this three-part documentary premieres October 2-4 at 7:00 p.m. on WTVP 47.1.

“The entire history of the Constitution had been about extending liberties and freedom, until Prohibition,” says Ken Burns. “Its impact on our society was profound and widespread. It transformed our politics, our relationship with the government, our justice system, and our most intimate relationships.”

Filled with fascinating characters that will bring this era to life, the series features music by Wynton Marsalis and the voice talents of Tom Hanks, Jeremy Irons, Paul Giamatti, Oliver Platt, John Lithgow, Samuel L. Jackson, Patricia Clarkson, Adam Arkin, Sam Waterston and others. The narrator is Peter Coyote.

“The unintended consequences of the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act are stunning to contemplate, and make Prohibition an utterly relevant, cautionary tale about the dangers of believing there can ever be a quick fix for complex social problems,” says Lynn Novick.

Each program encores at 9:00 p.m., immediately following its original broadcast. See wtvp.org for “overnight” encores.

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