Netflix’s ‘Persuasion’ Writer to Adapt Biography of Victorian Abortionist Madame Restell for Just John Films (EXCLUSIVE)
Just John Films have optioned Jennifer Wright’s biography of Victorian abortionist Madame Restell, Variety can confirm, with the writer behind Netflix’s “Persuasian” film set to adapt the book for screen.
Published by Hachette, the New York Times-bestseller “Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York’s Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist” recounts the jaw-dropping life of British-born Madame Restell.
“’Madame Restell’ tells the story of one of the boldest women in American history; a self-made millionaire, a celebrity in her era, a woman beloved by many of her patients and despised by the men who wanted to control them, a businesswoman, a scofflaw, an immigrant,” reads the synopsis. “A shrewd capitalist and full-throated media war agitator, Madame Restell made it big in 19th century New York by providing safe abortions. The series tracks Madame Restell’s life, from early New York’s immigrant slums to her mansion on Fifth Avenue, to prison and back again. We meet the men she outraged and the women (and men) who considered her services a blessing. Along the way, there’s First Wave Feminism, The Civil War and mass urbanization, all of which change the way Americans think and live forever.”
Just John’s Amber Anderson, Kate Phillips and Rosie Day will produce the series, which is set to be written by Alice Victoria Winslow (“Persuasion”).
“I’m ecstatic to be working with this incredible team of women to bring Madame Restell’s story into the 21st century,” said Wright. |Especially now, as reproductive rights are once again
under threat in America, Restell’s story reminds us how prevalent abortion has always been. Her life should provide inspiration for a new generation of people who like Restell may have to defy the law to defend a woman’s right to choose.”
Anderson added: “We are so excited to tell the story of this brilliant, pioneering woman, who has, until now, been blurred in our collective memory. We are keenly aware of how threatened many women’s rights to basic healthcare are in this current world. That’s why we are thrilled to bring Jennifer Wright’s beautiful work to life with Alice Victoria Winslow’s brilliant adaptation.”
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