Monopoly's origins revealed in new PBS documentary 'Ruthless: Monopoly's Secret History'

Monopoly is the best-selling privately patented board game in history. The game often evokes strong emotions, grudges, and family rivalries. And aspects of the game made it into our pop cultural language with terms such as “Get out of jail free cards” and “Do not pass ‘Go.'” The history behind the game tells a darker story than one might imagine. “Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History” is a new film that sheds light on the origins of the iconic board game. 

The PBS documentary is part of the series “American Experience,” which airs on WABE TV and is streaming now on PBS Passport. Emmy-Award-winning writer and director Stephen Ives of Insignia Films joined Lois via zoom to talk about his documentary. 

“Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History” is streaming on PBS Passport. More information about the documentary is available here.