Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story

Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story is a poignant and thought-provoking television biopic that premiered in 1983. This film set the spotlight on zesty actress Melissa Gilbert who plays the iconic role of Margaret Sanger, a well-known birth control activist from the early era of the 20th century. Also appearing in major roles are Peter Horton and a young Helen Hunt, contributing with their solid performances to bring this historical narrative to life.

The story delves deeply into the life of Margaret Sanger, a trained nurse, feminist and family planning activist whose work remains influential to this day. Gilbert delivers a fiery and compassionate interpretation of Sanger, showcasing her fervor, dedication, and personal sacrifices that ignited a movement, eventually leading to the establishment of the organization known today as Planned Parenthood.

The movie demonstrates two time periods in Sanger's life, cutting back and forth between her early years dealing with a challenging family life and her later years advocating for women's rights to contraceptive information and access. It artfully pieces together the experiences that shaped Sanger into the influential icon she eventually became.

An essential part of this movie is the depiction of Sanger's early life, including her upbringing in a poor working-class family in New York. With 14 children in the family to feed and clothe, her mother's health was severely compromised. This exposure to her mother's struggles ignited Sanger's interest in women's health, reproductive rights and her determination to give women control over their lives.

As the plot unfolds, viewers follow Sanger's relentless journey towards removing the barriers for women in birth control and contraception. Battling societal norms, legal restrictions, and vocal opponents, she risks it all with her revolutionary advocacy for women's access to health education and services.

Melissa Gilbert's performance as Margaret Sanger is earnest and confident, indicative of her preparation for the role. She successfully embodies the resilience, advocacy, and tireless effort of her character, making you empathize with the causes she championed. Peter Horton plays Bill Sanger, Margaret's loving husband who, though not always agreeing with her methods, stood by her side throughout their tumultuous lives. Helen Hunt shines in her supporting role, leaving an impact with her portrayal while blending well with the cast.

Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story paints a vivid picture of early 20th century America, showing the vast gap between women's needs and societal acceptance of these necessities. Director Paul Wendkos effectively brings his audience back to the time and place of Sanger's life and struggles, through meticulous set designs, costumes, and overall production values.

The film doesn't shy away from the controversy surrounding Sanger's life and work. It navigates through the complexities of opposing viewpoints without demonizing or celebrating either spectrum, making it a realistic and balanced portrayal of the events. It paints her journey with rich texture, showing how her personal experiences hugely influenced her professional path.

Moreover, the script, penned by renowned screenwriter John McGreevey, places Sanger's personal struggles in sharp relief against her public persona, offering a nuanced understanding of her character and her mission. The storyline builds steadily, taking viewers on an immersive journey through years of advocacy, passion, and relentless challenges that Margaret Sanger had to combat.

In addition, the film also explores the contentious themes of sex, power, and politics, often intertwining, that were central to Sanger's struggle. It touches upon how women's choices and rights were heavily curtailed in an overwhelmingly male-dominated society.

Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story from 1983 is a testament to the enduring power of Margaret Sanger's actions and determination. It portrays a segment of history rarely discussed, and provides a glimpse into the life of a woman whose fight for women's reproductive rights still resonates today. The film does a remarkable job of not just telling a story but also raising pertinent questions about gender politics, personal rights, societal norms, and the courage it takes to challenge the status quo. The performances, particularly by Melissa Gilbert, make this film a must-watch for those interested in historical dramas.