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 ‘The Martha Mitchell Effect’ gives voice to one of Watergate’s great characters

Political Theater, Episode 254

Martha Mithell, wife of former U.S. Attorney General John Mitchell, waves as she leaves the office of attorney Henry Rothblatt, at left. Mrs. Mitchell had given deposition under oath in litigation involving James McCord Jr., convicted Watergate conspirator.
Martha Mithell, wife of former U.S. Attorney General John Mitchell, waves as she leaves the office of attorney Henry Rothblatt, at left. Mrs. Mitchell had given deposition under oath in litigation involving James McCord Jr., convicted Watergate conspirator. (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Watergate break-in, a scandal that eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. This is one of history’s great dramas, and we’re still telling and hearing great stories about it. Case in point: “The Martha Mitchell Effect,” a new Netflix documentary about one Watergate’s most colorful, and tragic, characters. Directors Anne Alvergue and Debra McClutchy discuss their project in all its colorful and poignant archival glory. 

Show Notes:

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