Twain on PBS: "Born to Trouble: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”

CULTURE SHOCK, a four-part documentary series airing on PBS this winter, tells the stories of classic works of art—in literature, music, film, and painting—that have been controversial and explores their present-day relevance. Each program examines the cultural conditions, past and present, that lead artists to create and audiences to react. CULTURE SHOCK takes viewers into the heart of the debate about the role of the arts in society and explores the power of new forms of art to enthrall and also challenge. The first film in the series focuses on Huckleberry Finn.

"Born to Trouble: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," a ninety-minute film produced by WGBH, will premiere on PBS on Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 9 P.M. (check local listings). The documentary explores conflicts surrounding the book and the American social and political climate that shaped them. It includes comments from scholars, students, teachers and parents, and explores why the book continues to spark such passionate debate. The film is produced by Jill Janows, who also serves as the executive producer for the “Culture Shock” series. The writers are Jill Janows and Leslie Lee. Courtney B. Vance narrates.

[The January/February 2000 issue of Humanities will feature an article on “Born to Trouble” by Robert Zalisk.]

Educational Outreach

To accompany the series, WGBH Educational Print & Outreach has developed a CULTURE SHOCK teacher's guide, a "Huck Finn" teaching guide, and a "Huck Finn" coursepack.

Teachers can obtain their free copies of one or both teacher's guides by writing to WGBH, Educational Print and Outreach, 125 Western Avenue, Boston, MA 02134 (please include grades and subjects taught). The CULTURE SHOCK Teacher's Guide is a free, forty-page guide providing discussion questions, activities, curriculum links, and resources for all four CULTURE SHOCK films. The “Huck Finn” teaching guide, "Huck Finn in Context: A Teaching Guide" explores the controversy surrounding the book, then and now, and provides a comprehensive curriculum that places the book within its historical, literary, and cultural contexts.

"Huck Finn" coursepacks include the “Huck Finn” teaching guide, the “Born to Trouble” video, and a copy of all companion readings cleared for classroom use. It can be ordered for $8.75 plus $4.75 for shipping and handling (total: $13.50) by calling PBS Video at 1-800-344-3337. Please reference special item # HFIN111 "Huck Finn Coursepack."