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The Codebreaker

(44)IMDb 8.553min2021

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: The Codebreaker tells the story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a groundbreaking cryptanalyst who helped develop the codebreaking methods that led to the creation of the powerful new science of cryptology.

Directors: Chana Gazit

Starring: Kate Burton

Genres: Special Interest

Subtitles: English [CC]

Audio languages: English

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Producers: Susan Bellows Cameo George Chana Gazit Hilary Klotz Steinman Vanessa Ruizmore…Nancy Sherman

Studio: PBS

Purchase rights: Stream instantly Details

Format: Prime Video (streaming online video)

Devices: Available to watch on supported devices

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Michael Fine

Essential

Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2021

Verified Purchase

This woman should have statues dedicated to her all over this country and the rest of the world. Her genius, courage, perseverance, and just plain talent saved more American lives than anyone I can think of during and between both World Wars. Yet, she is unknown to most of us. Talk about stolen valor, J. Edgar Hoover is not only a thief of that honor but actually caused the deaths of thousands of Americans in sacrifice to his vainglory. Hoover is as true a villain as she and her husband are heroes and yet, Hoover is still well regarded while she is ignored. Hopefully this documentary goes a little way to correcting this monstrous injustice.

9 people found this helpful

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Chef Ed

Very Informative

Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2021

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In addition to learning about her varied contributions to the country, I also found it informative on how society related to a very successful and independent woman during that time frame. I am really appalled that the government would not make sure that she would at least get paid adequately for her to retire. So sad that women are still today not getting paid the same amount as men for the same performance...

4 people found this helpful

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Sheri

If we didn't know about her for 63 years, whom else don't we know about?

Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2021

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A truly wonderful documentary about Elizabeth Friedman's life. Her code breaking work saved the Allies during both world wars yet she was relegated to anonymity.

5 people found this helpful

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David King

Wow!

Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2021

Verified Purchase

Wow says it all. A great piece of American history finally is unclassified for us to read to today. It is the riveting story of a woman with a knack for reading coded messages. It's not a Bond thriller, but it have moments that equal the real life drama of espionage. Definitely recommend -

2 people found this helpful

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david m droit

The woman who saved the Americas from Nazi fascism in WWII.

Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2021

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Wow such a beautiful, powerful and fascinating True story of love. The love that the couple had for each other and the love they each had for America. And to learn that cryptography began in America due to the whim of an eccentric millionaire who thought that Shakespeare's work was somehow encrypted, and actually authored by someone else; thus he hired Elizabeth Smith as a codebreaker at his private think-tank facility in Illinois which then provided training and services to the Coast Guard and Navy at the hand of Elizabeth's leadership. And J Edgar Hoover rode the giant tidal wave of her success for many years, taking all the credit, although she was sworn to top secret silence for the rest of her life. So sad. But I am so glad for her existence. Before this, I was not even aware of the level of infiltration the Nazis had in S. America. I am so glad for her. So glad.

2 people found this helpful

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Cissy

Now that’s a story about a true American!

Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2021

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Fascinating true story about an unsung hero. So refreshing to learn about people of character and their contribution to our society. Held my interest to the very end.

2 people found this helpful

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