FX Networks officially released the first three installments of their Mrs. America miniseries early this morning. Boasting an all-star cast and a $50 million budget, it was meant to be the definitive portrayal of Phyllis Schlafly on screen. Executive producer Stacey Sher promised that great care was taken to “craft this highly researched and very clear-eyed view of this time period.” As the hand-picked successor to Phyllis’s legacy, Phyllis Schlafly Eagles President Ed Martin had this to say:
“Cate Blanchett, John Slattery, and the rest of the Mrs. America cast have done impressive work on this project — their acting skills are beyond question. It’s concerning, however, that most of the portrayals so far in the series are quite fictional. The characters on screen are not true to the real Schlaflys. Phyllis Schlafly was known by friend and foe alike to be sincere, warm, and passionate in her beliefs. The motivation that propelled her to action was her love of America. Her goal was to make America a great place for future generations of families.
“In spite of her seemingly unending list of accomplishments, Phyllis always took the most pride in her family. She and her husband Fred enjoyed many happy years together. Their intellectual, spiritual, and political compatibility were evident from the first day they met and carried on throughout their marriage. Their children and grandchildren were their greatest joys.
“That passion for God, family, and country is what makes Phyllis Schlafly an American icon like no other. If Hollywood wants to portray Phyllis Schlafly, they should do a better job showing the love and selflessness that motivated her to take up the fight of a lifetime against impossible odds.”
Phyllis Schlafly Eagles will be continually adding content taking a more detailed look at Mrs. America in the coming weeks.