Letter from Christabel Pankhurst to Annie Kenney, 1945
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Christabel discusses a film project proposed by Jill Craigie to commemorate the Suffragette Movement. Christabel is against it in the WWII and post-war context, arguing that the history of the movement should not be mixed up with “any present day political issues.” She thinks that her mother [Emmeline Pankhurst] would not agree that “the movement should be involved in present or future election campaigns.” The film idea was later reworked into a BBC radioplay, 'The Women’s Rebellion' (1951). Annie and her family were extremely disappointed with how she was represented in the piece and approached the BBC and Jill Craigie with their complaints; as a result, the play was never broadcast again.
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2172 Vista del Mar Avenue Los Angeles 28
26-1-45
Dearest Annie
Your letter of January 8th has just arrived.
You are quite right [to] “stick [to] your guns” as you do and [stand] for what you believe to be wise and proper.
If the war ends soon, the next thing will be to ensure that this project of theirs shall not be mixed up with the election which is probable if not certain in 1945. I will never agree to [illegible deletion] this film coming before or at the time of the election. It would not be mother’s wish that the movement should be involved in present or future election campaigns. It is a thing above and [independent] of the controversies of the passing years.
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I fancy that some people’s enthusiasm may dwindle if the whole idea is separated from any present day political [issues]
The script if ever written, is to be submitted to me you [illegible deletion] will be glad to hear. I have not heard any more since this news was written to me.
Grace was in correspondence I think, with some over there but I judge that she feels the present an inappropriate time for any film about the [community]. She would, of course, favour [Ida] for the script.
I have of course mentioned the political point to Olive and [Aunt Ada] and there is the necessity that there be no mixing up with [election].
I trust all is well with [Warwick]
Much Love
Christabel.
I send this ordinary mail please confirm time taken to receive it.