Is THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO a story of revenge or justice? Is Edmond Dantes’s revenge on his enemies justified? What makes this revenge story bittersweet?

In episode 87, The Boston Sisters ask these questions about a new adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’s classic epic, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO in a conversation with Norman Allen, senior minister of the First Parish of Portland, ME and an award-winning playwright who's no stranger to adapting the literary works of authors like Alexandre Dumas ("The three Musketeers") for the stage.

The new 8-part miniseries adaptation of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO premiers on PBS MASTERPIECE in March 2026 and features Sam Claflin (Daisy Jones and the Six) as Edmond Dantès, a nineteen-year-old sailor who, when falsely accused of treason, is imprisoned without trial in a grim island fortress off Marseille, France. After many years of captivity, Dantes finally escapes and discovers treasure, making him one of the richest men in the world. Under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, he plans to take revenge on those who wrongly accused U.S.

!SPOILER ALERT! this podcast contains spoilers for anyone who hasn't read or watched any adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO.

TIMESTAMPS

Introduction to THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (0:03)

Norman Allen's Background and Theatre Adaptations (6:25)

Revenge vs. Justice in THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (12:12)

The Role of Institutions and Historical Context (18:43)

Forgiveness and Restorative Justice (25:31)

Edmond Dantes' Character and Choices (31:16)

Adapting Literary Works for the Stage (37:45)

Theater and Religion: A Playwright-Minister Perspective (44:00)

Potential Adaptations and Final Thoughts (50:29)

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In episode 86, Revolution to Rights: America at 250 moves from the Civil War to Civil Rights spotlighting the 2014 film SELMA directed by Ava DuVernay and a conversation with Unitarian Universalist minister Rev. Dr. Gordon D. Gibson who answered the call along with fellow clergy to join the movement for voting rights and justice in 1965.

Selma, Alabama became the battleground for voting rights. The SELMA film retells the story of the impetus for the non-violent marches from the brutal "Bloody Sunday" when state troopers attacked non-violent marchers, to the 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr (David Oyelowo) that spurred the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson).

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TIMESTAMPS

7:45 - 2014 Film SELMA and Its Significance

13:13: - Rev. Dr. Gordon D. Gibson Call to Selma and Civil Rights Movement

18:30 - Challenges, Importance, and Power of Voting Rights

24:39 - Strategies and Goals of the Civil Rights Movement

30;12 - Community Support and Personal Risks

35:18 - Adaptability and Continuity in Justice Movements (or from Selma to Minneapolis)

41:47 - Challenges of Modern Voting Rights and Compassion

47:20 - Living Legacy Project and Civil Rights Pilgrimages

53:40 - Untold Stories and Future Inspiration

55:22 - Myrlie Evers, Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King

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"⁠Revolution to Rights: America at 250⁠ " 10-part series. The historical dramas featured in "Revolution to Rights" tell stories of battles fought in the quest for freedom, and the people whose collective actions and courage inspire us to move beyond remembrance, and to take actions today to ensure freedom and justice for all.

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In Episode 85 The Boston Sisters explore the 1989 film GLORY with Frank Smith, founder and executive director of the African American Civil War Memorial Museum. Smith shares the history of the museum, established to honor over 200,000 African American soldiers of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who fought for freedom during the American Civil War (1861 - 1865).

GLORY, the powerful 1989 historical war drama directed by Edward Zwick, tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first all-Black units in the American Civil War. GLORY follows Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, (Matthew Broderick) the commanding officer of the 54th Massachusetts, as he trains, leads and fights alongside his troop. Yet in the fight to preserve the Union, racial segregation and discrimination persist in the U.S. military during the Civil War. GLORY also features Denzel Washington, in an Academy Award-winning performance as Private Trip, Andre Braugher as Colonel Shaw’s childhood friend Cpl Thomas Searles, and Morgan Freeman as Sergeant Major John Rawlins.

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"Revolution to Rights: America at 250 " 10-part series. The historical dramas featured in "Revolution to Rights" tell stories of battles fought in the quest for freedom, and the people whose collective actions and courage inspire us to move beyond remembrance, and to take actions today to ensure freedom and justice for all.

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TIMESTAMPS

• Introduction to Revolution to Rights America at 250 (0:02)
• Frank Smith's Background and the Establishment of the Museum (3:35)
• Historical Significance of the U Street Corridor and the Museum (5:01)
• The Role of African American Soldiers in the Civil War (9:28)
• The Impact of African American Military Service on Civil Rights (28:26)
• Challenges and Successes in Establishing the Museum (41:30)T
• he Role of Walter Hill and the National Archives (41:42)
• The Design and Significance of the Monument (49:37)
• The Importance of Oral History and Family Stories (1:05:57)
• The Future of the Museum and Its Mission (1:07:39)

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In Ep. 84 we talk with historian Anthony Cohen about the Underground Railroad and its legendary conductor Harriet Tubman as seen in the 2019 film HARRIET.  Anthony Cohen personally retraced the  journey of the Underground Railroad and self-emancipation by foot, rail, and boat from Maryland to Canada in 1996.  His walk got the attention of Oprah Winfrey who asked him to prepare her for her role in the 1998 film BELOVED based on the Toni Morrison novel.

The 2019 film HARRIET traces the escape from slavery to freedom of Minty Ross, and her transformation into the iconic American freedom fighter Harriet Tubman. Haunted by memories of those she left behind, Harriet Tubman ( Cynthia Erivo) ventures back into dangerous territory on a mission to lead others to freedom. With allies like abolitionist William Still (Leslie Odom, Jr.) and the entrepreneurial Marie Buchanon (Janelle Monae), Harriet Tubman risks capture and death to guide hundreds to safety as one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad. 

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TIMESTAMPS

0:02 - Podcast Open

1:49 - History of the Underground Railroad

3:59 - Overview HARRIET film

5:00 - Anthony Cohen's 1996 Underground Railroad Journey

16:25 - Underground Railroad: Networks, Risks, and Dangers

27:56 - Preparation for Historical Immersive Experiences 

32:26 - Preparing Oprah Winfrey for BELOVED film

42:50 - The Menare Foundation Mission and Activities

46:22 - Five Steps for Understanding Freedom Seekers46:49 Anthony Cohen's 2026 Walk to Canada

1:02:25 - Engaging with History and Call to Action

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Revolution to Rights: America at 250 " series. The historical dramas featured in "Revolution to Rights" tell stories of battles fought in the quest for freedom, and the people whose collective actions and courage inspire us to move beyond remembrance, and to take actions today to ensure freedom and justice for all.

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SUPPORT this podcast  SHOP THE PODCAST on our affiliate bookstore. SHOP for books selected for the REVOLUTION TO RIGHTS series.

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In Episode 83, The Boston Sisters talk about the 2012 film LINCOLN (directed by Steven Spielberg) with The Honorable Sharon Pratt, former Mayor of Washington, DC , and Founding Director of the Institute of Politics Policy and History on the campus of the University of the District of Columbia .

The conversation with Mayor Pratt focuses on Abraham Lincoln's leadership, the moral complexities of the Civil War, the significance of Lincoln's presidency in transforming Washington, DC, and the broader implications of the 13th Amendment and the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice in America.

Episode 83 launches REVOLUTION TO RIGHTS: AMERICA AT 250, a 10-episode podcast series from Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters® that takes you on a journey through America’s 250-year history of advancing freedom and justice since the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

TIMESTAMPS

0:15 - Introduction to REVOLUTION TO RIGHTS: AMERICA AT 250 podcast series

2:07 - Film overviews: LINCOLN, HARRIET, and GLORY

2:59 - Lincoln and the 13th Amendment

7:33 - Institute of Politics, Policy and History elevating stories of Washington DC

11:51 - Discussion of Lincoln in Historical Context: Civil War, Abolition, 13th Amendment

17:37 - Lincoln's Moral Center and Leadership

23:27 - Attributes and Challenges of Leadership

29:00 - Impact of Civil War and Reconstruction on the Nation's Capital

36:07 - Lincoln's Legacy

42:09 - Institute of Politics Policy and History Programs

47:43 - Personal reflection: stories worthy of the screen

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In episode 82, The Boston Sisters discuss the Hallmark Channel’s adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility featuring a multiracial cast. Vanessa Riley, the historical and cultural consulting producer, shares her journey into Austen's works and her role in ensuring historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Riley also discusses her novels Queen of Exilesand Island Queen, which explore the lives of Marie-Louise Christophe, Haiti's only queen, and Dorothy “Dolly” Kirwan Thomas, a formerly enslaved woman who became a wealthy entrepreneur. Riley emphasizes the importance of representing diverse historical figures and the potential adaptation of her novels into films.

Award-winning author Vanessa Riley, honored as the 2023 Georgia Literary Fiction Author of the Year, spotlights hidden narratives of Black women and women of color in novels. Her works emphasize strong sisterhoods, diverse communities, and power across historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres.

TIMESTAMPS

0:03 - Podcast description

1:30 - Overview of Sense and Sensibility

2:42 - Introduction to Vanessa Riley, historical and cultural producer and historical fiction author

4:05 - Vanessa's Jane Austen origin story

7:25 - Jane Austen's wit

9:19 - Historical authenticity and cultural sensitivity in Hallmark Channel’s SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

17:39 - Challenges and achievements in adapting “Sense and Sensibility”

20:35 - Generic Break

21:03 - Discovering Dorothy “Dolly’ Kirwan Thomas, “Island Queen”

28:35 - Vanessa's Research and discoveries for “Queen of Exiles” (Marie-Louise Christophe)

36:15 - Future adaptations and Vanessa Riley's vision

Note: Ep. 82 has been updated to correct a technical error in the introduction.

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In episode 81, the Boston Sisters (Michon and Taquiena) explore how costumes bring iconic characters to life in 3 adaptations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice with Alden O’Brien, costume historian and costume and textile curator for the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum in Washington DC .

The 3 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE adaptations featured:

1. 1995 (BBC/Arts & Entertainment) series
2. 2005 (Focus Features, Universal Pictures) feature film,
3. Upcoming Netflix adaptation (release date TBA) based on a first look photo.

Alden O'Brien also gives some costume shine to the 2020 film adaptation of Austen's Emma in this conversation, and shares tips and resources for creating your own Regency look for Jane Austen birthday anniversary events and cosplay.

Episode 81 is a continuing conversation with Alden O'Brien (see episode 80), part 2 of a 3-podcast miniseries, JANE AUSTEN ADAPTED, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the popular English author Jane Austen's birth (December 16, 1775).

TIMESTAMPS

0:16 - PRIDE AND PREJUDICE as gateway to Jane Austen

0:31 - Episode 81 synopsis

2:30 - Introduction to Alden O'Brien, costume historian and curator

4:32 - 1995 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE - pastels, prints, and corsetry 

13:59 - 2005 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE -- high contrasts and "muddied hems" 

23:53 - Generic Break

24:30 - Previewing Netflix PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (photo analysis)

32:54 - 2020 EMMA, a "hymn to Regency"

35:28 - Resources for dressing Regency

39:31 - Costume as narration and author's voice

44:53 - Marriage and money - Episode 82 preview with author Vanessa Riley 

45:59 - Disclaimer

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Explore the fascinating elements of style in Regency and Federal era clothing, inspirations, and the fashion clues that bring Jane Austen’s characters to life with Alden O’Brien, costume historian and curator of costumes and textiles for the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Museum in Washington, DC.

Episode 80 is part 1 of a 3-podcast mini-series, JANE AUSTEN ADAPTED, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the English author’s birth. Jane Austen (1775 - 1817) is beloved for her novels that capture English country life, societal norms, and romances that hinge on the quest for a financially advantageous marriage. 

TIMESTAMPS

0:15 - “Jane Austen Adapted” mini-series synopsis

2:44 - Introduction to Alden O'Brien

4:30 -  Alden's role at DAR Museum

7:09 - Regency and Federal era fashion

11:21 - DAR Museum Jane Austen 250th birthday exhibition 

14:31 - Historical context of Regency and Federal era style

15:32 - Regency influence and relevance in contemporary fashion

27:20 - Generic Break

29:31 - Sources of fabrics and clothing products

35:10 - Empire and colonization in Regency era

45:30 - Preview of episode 81, “Jane Austen Adapted”

47:30 - Disclaimer

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November 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials in Germany at the end of World War II. In episode 79 Michon and Taquiena Boston aka The Boston Sisters talk with award-winning journalist and author Jack El-Hai about the James Vanderbilt film NUREMBERG based on El-Hai's thought-provoking book, "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist. "

Jack El-Hai’s book and the film explore the psychological dynamics between Nazi second-in-command Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) and American psychiatrist Dr. Douglas M. Kelley (Rami Malek). The book and film delve into the nature of evil, the Nuremberg trials, and Dr. Kelley’s findings from his examinations of the Nazi prisoners that raise questions about the potential for fascism in any and every society. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding historical events and the role of popular history in reflecting on the present.

After their conversation with Jack El-Hai, Michon and Taquiena share their thoughts about “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” and NUREMBERG.

Spoiler alert: Key moments in the story of the 1945 Nuremberg Trials, and Dr. Douglas M. Kelley’s story, as seen in the film NUREMBERG, are shared in this podcast. 

ADVISORY: Be advised, the history discussed in this podcast includes themes of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit their website (988lifeline.org). 

TIMESTAMPS

0:03 - Intro and Overview of Podcast

2:34 - Jack El-Hai background journalistic accomplishments

4:11 - THE NAZI AND THE PSYCHIATRIST Book and NUREMBERG Film Synopsis

9:10 - Personal Impact of Writing THE NAZI AND THE PSYCHIATRIST

13:58 - Hermann Göring's and Dr. Douglas Kelley's Relationship

18:51 - NUREMBERG From Page to Screen

25:24 - Generic Podcast Break

25:59 - Historical Context and Psychological Evaluations of Nuremberg Prisoners

29:17 - Use of Rorschach tests

30:04 - Competing Perspectives and Roles of Key Figure

41:13 - Legacy and Relevance of Dr. Kelley's Work

45:18 - Popular History and Its Role in Understanding the Past

48:45 - The Nature of Evil and Fascism

56:32 -  Final Thoughts on NUREMBERG Film and THE NAZI AND THE PSYCHIATRIST (Michon and Taquiena)

1:04:52 - Recommendations

1:06:10 - Disclaimer

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In episode 78, The Boston Sisters discuss the film adaptations of plays by award-winning playwright August Wilson (1945 - 2005) and their significance in understanding American history with Dr. Sandra G. Shannon, a leading authority on Wilson's work, as well as founder and President Emerita of the August Wilson Society. Three of Wilson plays were adapted into feature films: FENCES, MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, andTHE PIANO LESSON. JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE is currently in development. Dr. Shannon highlights Wilson's mission to give voice to the African American experience and the importance of historical context in teaching his plays. The conversation also explores metaphysical elements in Wilson's works compared to the popular 2025 Ryan Coogler film SINNERS, and the impact of Wilson's plays on contemporary culture.

TIMESTAMPS

0:02 - Intro to Podcast and Dr. Sandra D. Shannon

1:00 - Overview of August Wilson's Plays

2:31 - Film Adaptations: MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, THE PIANO LESSON, FENCES

4:18 - Dr. Sandra D. Shannon's first impressions of August Wilson

8:06 - August Wilson Society mission and legacy

25:10 - Baltimore's August Wilson Project

26:05 - Teaching August Wilson to a tech/media savvy student

30:06 - MA RAINEY's BLACK BOTTOM blues history

34:39 - THE PIANO LESSON and the value of owning land

44:41 - Pittsburgh as "ground" and microcosm

56:35 - Teaching history through August Wilson plays

59:20 - JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE and Great Migration

1:01:30 - August Wilson, SINNERS, and the supernatural

1:11:58 - Upcoming film adaptation

1:17:09 - African belief systems in August Wilson

1:20:54 - Where to watch FENCES, MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, and THE PIANON LESSON

1:21:14 - Books by Dr. Sandra Shannon

1:22:09 - Disclaimer

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