Professor Marston & the Wonder Women 2017

As the 1945 testimony unfolds, like a tapestry woven from threads of memory and nostalgia, we find ourselves transported to the Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges in 1928. It was here that William Moulton Marston (himself), alongside his wife Elizabeth, delved deep into their research on the lie detector device and DISC theory. Their work was soon augmented by the arrival of Olive Byrne, a brilliant student who would become an integral part of their lives. As they worked tirelessly together, the trio’s bond grew stronger, until the unmistakable truth revealed itself: they had fallen deeply in love with one another.

The unconventional nature of their relationship soon became the subject of whispers and speculation, ultimately leading to their dismissal from the university. Olive, now pregnant, joined the Marstons in their New York suburb home, where the trio embarked on a bold experiment - building a family together while concealing the truth about their polyamorous relationship. As they settled into their new life, Elizabeth became the primary breadwinner, working as a secretary to support her family. William, meanwhile, attempted to make a living as an author, while Olive devoted herself to raising their four children and submitting her writing samples to publishers.

The years passed, with the Marstons’ unconventional family thriving in spite of the challenges they faced. It wasn’t until 1940 that William stumbled upon a lingerie shop in New York City, run by Charles Guyette. This chance encounter introduced him to fetish art-themed comics and photographs, which sparked his imagination as a perfect demonstration of his DISC theory. Initially skeptical, Elizabeth came around after witnessing Olive try out an outfit that would later become the prototype for Wonder Woman’s iconic costume.

As Marston’s career as a writer stagnates, he conceives an innovative concept for a female superhero in the realm of comic books. Drawing inspiration from his work on the lie detector and the experiences of his wife Elizabeth and mistress Olive, he crafts a narrative that champions the feminist movement through a popular medium. He presents his idea to Max Gaines at National Periodical Publications, who enthusiastically accepts the project and suggests simplifying the female protagonist’s name to “Wonder Woman”. The comic’s instant success brings prosperity to Marston’s family, including his wife Elizabeth and mistress Olive.

However, their seemingly idyllic life is disrupted when a chance encounter between their neighbor and the three of them leads to their children facing bullying and ostracism at school. As tensions rise, Elizabeth feels compelled to make an impossible choice: she demands that Olive leave the household with her children, severing any connection between them.

As the Wonder Woman comic faces accusations of featuring explicit sexual, sadomasochistic, and lesbian imagery, Marston’s life takes a dramatic turn. His health begins to decline, and he is eventually diagnosed with terminal cancer. In his final days, he implores Olive to reconcile with Elizabeth, recognizing that their relationship should be built on mutual respect rather than dominance.

As Marston’s mortality becomes clear, the Marstons fall to their knees in a desperate plea for forgiveness from Olive. Elizabeth ultimately agrees to reunite with her partner, acknowledging that she cannot survive without her. This poignant epilogue reveals that William Marston passed away in 1947, and his wife Elizabeth went on to live another 43 years with Olive until the latter’s passing in 1990 at the age of 100.

In a testament to the enduring power of Wonder Woman, the character’s superpowers are eventually restored. The iconic symbol of female empowerment also finds new life when Gloria Steinem reclaims her for the cover of Ms. Magazine in 1972, marking the beginning of a new era for this beloved heroine.