Ep 17. Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project

Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project is a powerful and insightful documentary that tells the story of a woman named Marion Stokes who single-handedly recorded decades of television news coverage, amassing an archive of over 70,000 VHS tapes. This fascinating episode of Independent Lens explores her life and legacy, shining a light on a remarkable woman who was often misunderstood but whose impact on the world of media has been immeasurable.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through Marion Stokes' life, from her early days as a civil rights activist to her later years as a recluse who devoted herself to her incredible collection of tapes. We learn about her motivations and her struggles, including her battle with mental illness and the challenges she faced in trying to maintain her vast archive.

Through interviews with those who knew her best, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of Marion's character and the impact she had on the world around her. We hear from her son and other family members, as well as colleagues and friends who worked with her over the years. Their insights and anecdotes provide a rich and nuanced portrait of Marion, illuminating the complex person behind the tapes.

At its core, Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project is a meditation on the power of media and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of the world. Marion recognized this early on and devoted her life to preserving and cataloging the news as it unfolded. Her archive provides a window into the events of the past several decades, capturing both the major news stories of the day and the more mundane moments that together form the fabric of our shared history.

But Marion's project was not without controversy. Some viewed her as obsessive or paranoid, while others dismissed her collection as a strange and pointless hobby. The episode explores these criticisms and challenges us to consider the value of preserving our collective past, even if it means hoarding mountains of VHS tapes in our living rooms.

Ultimately, Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project is a moving tribute to a woman whose contributions to the world of media were far ahead of her time. Through her dedication to the preservation of news coverage, Marion Stokes left us with a legacy that continues to resonate today. This episode of Independent Lens is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of media or the importance of preserving the past.