Mrs America's fight against equal rights

Cate Blanchett plays anti-feminist leader in period drama that delves into roots of modern US politics

Cate Blanchett plays the late Republican grassroots organiser Phyllis Schlafly, dubbed the First Lady of the conservative movement, in the drama Mrs America.
Cate Blanchett plays the late Republican grassroots organiser Phyllis Schlafly, dubbed the First Lady of the conservative movement, in the drama Mrs America. PHOTO: FOX
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Many actresses would kill for the chance to play a feminist icon.

But for two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, the bigger challenge was portraying a woman known for her anti-feminist crusades.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 14, 2020, with the headline Mrs America's fight against equal rights. Subscribe