Editorial May 14, 1984 Issue

The hinge on which history truly turns

ALLISON W. PHINNEY, JR.

A public television program in the United States that has become much loved by many for its generally high quality, integrity, and rich humanity is now airing an eight-part series by the BBC called Nancy Astor. The leading character depicted in this television dramatization was a student of Christian Science. An American woman who married a British subject, she became Lady Astor and Great Britain's first woman Member of Parliament—a remarkable public figure in the period prior to World War II.

This dramatization was presented first in Britain, where it quickly became evident that considerable liberties had been taken with biographical facts. The series also distorted the role of Christian Science in the lives of the main characters, apparently to heighten dramatic effect.

One letter writer to Britain's Radio Times commented: "... her [Lady Astor's] portrayal in the series seems diametrically opposed to all Christian Scientists hold dear in manner and behaviour. I feel sure they must be deeply hurt at a false impression."^{ Radio Times, London, May 1–7, 1982 .}