Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story 2011

The classic board game, MONOPOLY®, has captivated over a billion players around the globe for an astonishing 75 years, establishing itself as a worldwide cultural phenomenon. The documentary, Under the Boardwalk: The MONOPOLY Story, takes us on a journey through the intriguing tales surrounding this game and the diverse individuals who engage with it. With the engaging narration of Zachary Levi, known for his performances in NBC’s Chuck and Disney’s Tangled, the film brings to life the essence of MONOPOLY.

One of the key focuses of Under the Boardwalk is the national and world championships held every four years. As excitement builds towards the crowning of a new champion at the latest World Championship in Las Vegas, the filmmakers introduce us to some of the most colorful and competitive players in the MONOPOLY community.

However, this documentary delves deeper than just the competitive landscape and examines the compelling backstory of MONOPOLY itself. Few understand that it originated as an anti-capitalist political statement, appearing three decades before it morphed into a game focused on wealth accumulation, emerging notably during the Great Depression. The narrative explores the transformation of MONOPOLY and the reasons behind its enduring popularity. It further investigates psychological insights into gameplay and shares winning strategies, enhancing the viewer’s understanding of this beloved game.

MONOPOLY’s cultural significance lies not only in its gameplay, but in its fascinating history, including its role in aiding WWII POWs escape, its influences on film and television, and its connections to numerous intriguing world records and trivia. The documentary also spotlights the quirky collectors who are passionate about MONOPOLY, showcasing the diverse ways the game has touched lives.

Ultimately, MONOPOLY started as a medium for friends and families to connect and has evolved into a unifying force across the globe, transcending language barriers and bringing diverse communities together through its universal language and celebrated World Championships.