Educational Media Reviews Online

Former school teacher and recovering alcoholic, Ann Richards, progressed from State Treasurer of Texas in 1982 to eventually win the governorship in 1988. What is traditionally a predominantly right wing state, democrat Richards’s untampered oratory and sharp wit won the approval of the state. This film stories her political makeup, and her strategic and tactical campaigns.

Although Richards was not reluctant to assail Republicans, it was but one tool in her repertoire. The film does a superb job of exhibiting Richards’s competency and exceptional work ethic, as opposed to simply over-representing or sensationalizing her gruff but sharp wit.

This superb work focuses on themes and devices used in her political campaigns, demonstrating how she promoted her platform, disarmed her political opponents, and recruited support, all while dealing with health issues and media questions about alleged drug abuse. The film skillfully yet tacitly raises questions for the audience, such as, “Was her election to the governorship a product of media and campaign savvy?” and “What exactly was burgeoning in Texas that brought about the election of a democratic woman for governor?” Further, it is a subtle editorial on the state of women in politics in the U.S.

All About Ann is informative, inspirational, and entertaining. One leaves this film feeling almost as if one had met Richards. Throughout, the audience is given samples of her verbal cunning, along with a sense of her impact from contemporaries ranging from Willie Nelson to former President Bill Clinton. The conclusion is strong and fulfilling, with a tasteful yet poignant treatment of Richards’s death. The work is an engrossing venture into politics, media, business, and public speaking.