Called "The Better Hour," the documentary comes a year after the release of the feature film "Amazing Grace," which brought renewed attention to Wilberforce's remarkable story of character, faith and leadership.

In addition to his tireless role fighting popular opinion and convention over the slave trade, Wilberforce helped establish 69 philanthropies that helped change the culture of 19th century England. Many of his efforts remain in force today--education for indigent children, child labor laws, prison reform, the first society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, Bible societies, and mandatory small pox inoculation, among many others.

For local broadcast information, visit www.pbs.org/tvschedules and for more information visit www.thebetterhour.com.

posted [02.13.08]