Filming Fit To Print

From an organizational meeting in November 2025, there was a decision to ‘do history’ about the history of journalism: Doing History, ‘Moses Yale Beach In Conversation’ is now the teleplay Fit To Print. It is an exploration of journalism history and American ideals featuring The Sun Penny Paper, Moses Yale Beach, and his contemporaries

1. Roger Sherman Baldwin (1839) – Amistad Case Attorney Joseph Cinqué

• Historical questions: What did “human rights” mean to different classes of white Northerners? How did newspaper coverage shape public opinion on Amistad? On Slavery? On the role of newspapers?

The Sun markets both reportage and a lithograph of the captive leader, Aug. 31, 1839

“Joseph Cinquez — The Brave Congolese Chief — Lithograph Now Available.”

2. P.T. Barnum (1842) – The Showman   Opening of Barnum’s American Museum, Broadway.

• Historical questions: How did these entrepreneurs understand their role in shaping public taste? What’s the line between innovation and manipulation? Blending of advertising copy and editorial column.

WONDER AT THE MUSEUM — SEE THE MERMAID YOURSELF — ADMISSION A PENNY.

3. Edgar Allan Poe (1844) – Year of “The Balloon Hoax.”

• Historical questions: Was hoax journalism considered ethical entrepreneurship? How did literary figures navigate commercial publishing?

ASTOUNDING NEWS! THE ATLANTIC CROSSED IN THREE DAYS!

4. Jane Storm (1844) – Manifest Destiny

• Historical questions: Role of newspaper in wartime, bylines, and female journalists.

HOUSE AUTHORITY — Our Manifest Destiny to Overspread the Continent.

5. Willis A Hodges (1846) – anti-slavery activist, newspaper editor, black member Convention 1867-68

• Historical questions: Does the Sun shine for all? He pays for a boxed advertisement posing a moral question. Obituary Rates.

DOES THE SUN SHINE FOR ALL?” — HOUSE NOTICE

6. Daniel Webster (1849) – Statesman  March 7 Speech

•  The two Websters — Senator Daniel and Professor John (WEBSTER–PARKMAN murder trial).  The Sun conflates their names under a single head.

WEBSTER — SENATE ADDRESS / TRIAL PROCEEDINGS – DOUBLE RULE.

• Tailer Premiere: July 4, 2024 – Independence Day broadcast

Fit To Print aTeleplay in six decisions.

NOTE: Location Scouting Six of 12 scene are being filmed this weekend at a Wallingford location. The remaining six will be filmed in August. At the moment we are considering a barn built in the early 1800s in New Haven unless a 19c industrial location in Wallingford can be secured.