Margaret Mitchell and Harper Lee, authors of two of the most popular and influential books of the 20th century are the subject of documentaries tonight on PBS.  Both films will stream after the premiere on the American Masters website.

Both were Southern women who had only one book published in their lifetime.  Both books were made into critically acclaimed movies.  Both created vivid and enduring characters: Scarlett O’Hara, Rhett Butler, Atticus Finch.  Both wrote about the searing divisions and resilient spirit of America.

Margaret Mitchell wrote Gone with the Wind.

Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird.

Be sure to tune in to see these stories about women whose real lives are as fascinating as the stories they told.