Film

A Family Undertaking

2003 · 57m · Documentary

Before the Civil War, preparing the dead for burial and funeral rites generally fell to friends and family members of the deceased. The 20th century saw the rise of the professional undertaker, a trend that changed American attitudes toward death and distanced grievers from their loved ones. This eye-opening film uncovers a growing movement advocating a return to a more traditional, personal approach to honoring the dead.

• Elizabeth WestrateDirector

Release date

June 18, 2003

Status

Released

Original language

English

Runtime

57m

Genres

Documentary