Back to Show
America Reframed
Learning to Swallow
Season 3
Episode 12
The portrait of Patsy Desmond, an "it girl” who seemingly had it all yet struggled with bipolar disorder; a failed suicide attempt leaves her unable to swallow. Learning to Swallow captures Patsy’s raw honesty and wit even as she becomes increasingly frail. However, hope and an undying spirit prevail, renewing Patsy's pact with art and life.
Support Provided By
Season
43:36
A filmmaker chronicles his journey beyond walls after being incarcerated at San Quentin.
1:23:50
A story of Kristal Bush's fight against the impact of mass incarceration in Philadelphia.
55:23
Exploring reparations to illuminate the scope and rationale of this complex debate.
Unlock with PBS Passport
12:59
A journey into a brother's memories transform into a tool for reconciliation and healing.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:30:00
Local election officials work around the clock to secure the vote and uphold US democracy.
1:26:21
Five female activists run for local office in a grassroots effort to take back their city.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:29:39
Artists and activists fight to redefine belonging on both sides of the Atlantic.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:25:44
How are the lives of mobile home park residents impacted by class and economic injustice?
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:19:25
Sol Guy watches his late father’s tapes -- and confronts the choices of his father’s life.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:08:28
A 24-year-old artist & musician in Amarillo, TX makes an unorthodox run for city council.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:16
A collective memory of Mt. Pleasant's Salvadoran community and the May 1991 rebellion.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:24:30
A filmmaker and three Chicagoans navigate the complexities of living with mental illness.