55 Steps

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When Eleanor Riese (Helena Bonham Carter) discovers that the medication she receives at St. Mary’s Psychiatric Hospital in San Francisco is harming her, she begs to have her treatment reconsidered. The doctors ignore her pleas and continue to medicate her against her will. She hires patients’ rights lawyer Colette Hughes (Hilary Swank) to take on her case. Based on a true story, Riese becomes the primary plaintiff in a 1980s California court case seeking to give short-term mental hospital patients the right to refuse anti-psychotic medications. Hughes, assisted by lawyer Mort Cohen, works tirelessly for Eleanor’s rights, all while forming an unlikely friendship.

Health and Wellness Historical and Political Themes

Date

Sunday, November 4

Time

4:45 PM

Location

Culbreth Theatre