Dear Ms Documentary: How a Feminist Magazine Changed History

Right, let’s have a proper chinwag about the most revolutionary magazine you’ve probably never read. Back in 1972, when flares were in and feminism was considered a dirty word, Ms magazine burst onto newsstands with Wonder Woman on its cover, telling the patriarchy where to stick it. Now, HBO’s brilliant new documentary ‘Dear Ms: A Revolution in Print’ shows us exactly how bonkers brave these women were.

Wonder Woman and Other Revolutionary Acts

Picture this: It’s December 1971, and a group of absolutely fearless women decide to stuff a forty-page feminist insert into New York magazine. Proper gutsy stuff, that. Leading the charge? Gloria Steinem, looking like a total boss in her signature aviators, probably thinking “this better work or we’re proper stuffed.”

And work it did! The magazine sold out faster than tickets to Taylor Swift’s 2025 London shows (if you managed to get those, by the way, I’m well jelly). 300,000 copies, gone in eight days flat. Not too shabby for a publication that dared to print “We Have Had Abortions” when most magazines were still banging on about the perfect pot roast.

Three Episodes of Pure Revolutionary Gold

The documentary splits into three parts, each helmed by a different director (Salima Koroma, Alice Gu, and Cecilia Aldarondo – remember those names). They’ve done something properly special here, weaving together archive footage that’ll make your jaw drop with fresh interviews that’ll make you want to start a revolution of your own.

What makes it particularly relevant for 2025? Well, as someone who’s been covering entertainment for yonks, I can tell you we’re still fighting many of the same battles. From workplace harassment (yeah, still a thing) to racial equality (also still a thing), Ms magazine was decades ahead of its time.

The Hard-Hitting Stuff

Fair warning: this isn’t your typical lightweight documentary about magazine publishing. The filmmakers tackle heavy topics – domestic violence, workplace harassment, sexuality – with the kind of care that’d make your nan proud. But they also show how Ms magazine managed to make these conversations mainstream when everyone else was too scared to touch them.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Where can I watch ‘Dear Ms: A Revolution in Print’?

The documentary is streaming now on HBO Max. And yes, it’s worth every penny of that subscription you’ve been debating.

Was Ms magazine really that groundbreaking?

Mate, it was the first US magazine founded and run entirely by women. In 1972! They published articles about feminism, racism, and abortion when most magazines were still telling women how to please their husbands. So yeah, pretty groundbreaking.

Is the documentary relevant to UK viewers?

Absolutely! While Ms was American, its impact rippled across the pond. Plus, many of the issues it covered are universal and still relevant to British audiences today.

The Bottom Line

Look, I’ve watched more documentaries than I’ve had hot dinners, but this one’s special. It’s not just about a magazine – it’s about the women who dared to imagine a different world and then went out and created it. Whether you’re a die-hard feminist or just someone who enjoys a good story well told, ‘Dear Ms’ is proper essential viewing.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be inspired. And if you’re feeling particularly revolutionary afterward, maybe start that blog you’ve been thinking about. After all, someone’s got to carry the torch for the next generation, innit?