The Unsinkable Molly Brown

As with most Hollywood biopics, there are liberties taken with the real story, most notably in that Margaret (Molly) and J.J. never reconciled. They separated in 1909, although they remained good friends who cared deeply for each other until his passing. She was also not quite the social outcast depicted in the film. Other aspects of her life that were missing from the movie: they had two children, a son and daughter. Margaret Brown was a passionate social crusader and philanthropist; she was a champion of women's rights, including education and the vote. She championed workers' rights, historic preservation, education and literacy, and child welfare, including helping to found the modern juvenile court system. After the sinking of the Titanic, she was noted for her efforts to commemorate the heroism of the men aboard the ship. After WWI, she helped to rebuild France and to aid wounded soldiers, and received the French Legion of Honor. She also ran twice for the U.S. Senate. She died in 1932.

When Molly first meets John, in the 1880s, they look at some picture postcards she has with her. The picture occupies one entire side of each card, but postcards of this type were not available in the USA until 1907.

introducing Harve Presnell

In the past, TCM has shown a version with Overture and Exit Music that ran 135 minutes. It also had a slightly different aspect ratio.