The Midwife’s Tale is a documentary film adapted from the diary of Martha Ballard which tells of her experiences living in rural Maine in the 18th century. The film is built upon a Pulitzer Prize award winning book written by Harvard Professor Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. The film, directed by Richard P Rogers and produced by Laurie Kahn-Levitt, stars Ron Tough as Ephraim Ballard. The character of Martha is played by Kaiulani Lee, a descendent of peoples that were the contemporaries of Martha Ballard’s; Laurel Ulrich appears in the film as herself. The film is part of a 1995 television series called the American Experience on PBS. The film shows dramatic elements of Martha’s life and includes a voice over by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich who speculates about elements from Martha’s life as related in the diary. Unlike Ken Burns…show more content… Martha’s life seems to be one of unending chores and work. When Martha’s husband is taken away to jail for not collecting taxes you get a sense of weariness and futility. Martha struggles to stay warm and do chores in winter. She states that her husband’s crime is unusual and that he was allowed to work off his debt during the day but not support his family because the jail was too far away from the farm. (A Midwife’s tale perf. Character of Martha Ballard, voiceover.) At one point Martha compares herself to Job, making a point that her comforters have more critiques than comfort. (A Midwife’s tale perf. Character of Martha Ballard, voiceover.) When Ephraim is released from jail and allowed to return home, Martha appears to be relieved. But she is disturbed by suicide and murder and more incarceration of relatives for debt. Her midwifery business picks up and she is called on to help, she is very exhausted. After helping deliver a child she returns home and goes to bed. (A Midwife’s Tale perf. Laurel Ulrich,