PBS’ ‘American Experience’ explores ‘Monopoly’s Secret History’

BY JAY BOBBIN

It can be argued that Monopoly is the quintessential American board game, a sort of microcosm of capitalism itself.

To win, it requires strategy, shrewdness and luck, but also a certain amount of greed and ruthlessness. Which is how the game itself came to be, as is detailed in the “American Experience” documentary “Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History.”

Premiering Monday, Feb. 20, on PBS (check local listings), the hourlong film separates fact from myth as it explores the real story of how the game was invented and evolved into what we know today.

The mythologized version reads like something out of the American dream: Amateur inventor Charles Darrow came up with a great idea for a board game during the Great Depression, sold it to department stores and eventually Parker Bros. and made millions. A true rags-to-riches story.