MACOMB, IL – Unforgettable Forgottonia has released a press statement announcing that PBS’ award-winning American Experience will be featuring Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History, a documentary discussing the famous board game’s inventor Elizabeth “Lizzie” Magie, the history behind the board game, and the somewhat nefarious incidents surrounding the theft of her creation.
As described by PBS’ own press release:
“For generations, Monopoly has been America’s favorite board game, a love letter to unbridled capitalism and – for better or worse – the impulses that make our free-market society tick. But behind the myth of the game’s creation is an untold tale of theft, obsession and corporate double-dealing. Part detective story, part sharp social commentary and part pop-culture celebration, Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History presents the fascinating true story of the game and those who created it.”
In early Spring 2022, Unforgettable Forgottonia director Jock Hedblade was contacted by the program’s producers through the Macomb Area and Convention Bureau’s (MACVB) offices as they searched for information about Lizzie Magie, who was born in Macomb. The phone call was followed by more calls, as well as Zoom meetings, which ultimately led to the MACVB sharing materials and consulting on the project. “It’s a program of which Jan Armstrong and I are very proud to be a part,” says Hedblade.
WTVP, a PBS affiliate in Peoria, will air a story on Macomb’s connection to Lizzie Magie which will also feature Macomb’s collection that contains Magie’s original game and artifacts during an episode of “You Gotta See This!” on February 14th at 5:30 p.m.
Unforgettable Forgottonia and Macomb’s all new Ice House nightclub (formerly known as Change of Pace) will be hosting a live viewing party of American Experience’s Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History on Monday, February 20th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This event is open to the public.
The episode will be broadcast nationwide on Monday, February 20th from 8:00 to 9:00 PM CST and can be seen regionally on WSIU affiliate WMEC-TV – Macomb (virtual channel 22 / UHF digital channel 36). Consult your local listing for the PBS affiliate in your area or stream at https://www.pbs.org/show/american-masters/.
