AMERICAN: AN ODYSSEY TO 1947 (2023, doc)

September 8, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Let’s begin with this: Danny Wu’s documentary ties legendary filmmaker Orson Welles into one of the most tumultuous periods of history. This is done not so much in a FORREST GUMP or ZELIG style, but more like one of those push pin boards Claire Danes used in “Homeland” by looping red thread around all the key characters and events. Wu opens with Webster’s 1913 definition of an “American” – originally applied to the aboriginal inhabitants, now applied to descendants of Europeans born in America, and especially to the citizens of the United States.

For cinephiles, much of Welles’ personal and professional story is well-known. Born in 1915, his mother died when he was ten. His father shipped him off to a liberal boarding school where he was free to pursue his passion in the theater, and all things creative. Fellow actor Simon Callow spends a good amount of time on camera recounting Welles’ passion for the theater, and especially acting, and how playwright Thornton Wilder and another legend, John Houseman, were instrumental in assisting Welles with early career breaks.

It’s at this stage where Wu drops in some ‘strange bedfellow’ politics, showing media mogul William Randolph Hearst playing a key role in getting Franklin Delano Roosevelt elected President. As the film progresses, we learn how this relationship shifted 180 degrees, and also how Welles later bore the brunt of Hearst’s powerful reach. FDR pushes through the Federal Theater Project, which keeps Welles working, and it’s in 1938 when Welles’ infamous broadcast of H.G. Well’s “War of the Worlds” puts folks on edge, and it’s the year Howard Kakita is born. We only get bits and pieces of Kakita’s story, but he and his family are linked to the United States, Hiroshima, and the internment camps established by FDR during the war.

By this stage, we have a grasp on what Wu is doing with his film – a blend of historical and biographical material. As a 25-year-old wunderkind, Welles secured an unprecedented contract with RKO, giving him total control of his work. The rough draft of his initial project is co-written with Herman Mankiewicz and John Houseman, and is titled “American”. This work is fine-tuned and becomes the 1941 classic, CITIZEN KANE. It’s at this point that Welles experiences the power of William Randolph Hearst, who crushes the distribution and box office of the film. Of course, even more than 80 years later, it’s still considered a cinematic masterpiece.

What many may not know is how Welles used the theater for many projects promoting anti-racism, at a time when Jim Crow laws were booming. Wu uses the example of Isaac Woodard to bring home the often-disgusting nature of this era. Sgt Woodard was headed home after serving in the war, when he was severely beaten to the point of having his eyes gouged out by a small-town sheriff and deputy. The tragic story is told by Woodard’s nephew and author Laura Williams. The blinding of Isaac Woodard is described as igniting the Civil Rights Movement.

Mr. Kakita offers more details of his family revisiting Hiroshima after the bomb, and we learn how J Edgar Hoover started a file on Welles during the era of McCarthyism and blacklisting suspected communists. After RKO re-edited (butchered) Welles’ film, THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS, Welles felt rejected at most every turn and decided to move to Italy and live a quiet life focusing on the art of moviemaking. Described as transitioning from “Boy Wonder” to the “youngest has-been”, Welles did visit the U.S. periodically, and here his life has provided quite the perspective for Danny Wu’s innovative storytelling.

The film has a limited theatrical release on Sept 8, 2023 and digital release on Sept 12.

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Posted by David Ferguson

PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN (2023, doc)

September 5, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Although not one of those Americans mesmerized by every move made by the Royal Family, I have long admired Queen Elizabeth II for the manner in which she conducted herself in public. Having served as Monarch for seventy years at the time of her death, the Queen displayed a rare and much appreciated decorum throughout her lifetime in the public eye. In fact, director Fabrizio Ferri begins the film by asking citizens to describe her in one word, and what we hear is no surprise: consistency, constraint, strong, constant, respect. Obviously, she was Queen for the entire life of most British citizens, so her passing was an emotional jolt.

Rather than produce a traditional documentary on her life, director Ferri instead opts to use Paola Calvetti’s 2019 book, “Elisabetta II, Ritratto di regina” as the focus (pun intended). With apologies to the Kardashians, supermodels, and Tom Brady, it’s likely that Queen Elizabeth has been the most photographed person on Earth since she ascended the throne. In contrast to the usual chronological lifeline, we get a fascinating look at some of the photographs and photographers … those that have recorded history via Royal portraits.

Actor Charles Dance is the (often) on screen narrator, and even he and the photographers being interviewed are shot with artistic lighting. Elizabeth and her family had early photos taken by Marcus Adams and Cecil Beaton, and we hear directly from many of the later photographers such as Brian Aris, Jason Bell, Julian Calder, Chris Levine, David Montgomery, and John Swannell, and their insight is often quite intimate and enlightening. One of the best is when we are told that once you photograph the Queen, no other subject will ever be intimidating for the photographer. The only segment that seems out of place is the interview with Susan Sarandon, who recalls meeting the Queen. This comes across as a disruptive celebrity inclusion meant to appeal to American viewers, rather than a contribution to the film.

The film is a brisk one hour and fourteen minutes, and is a stellar balancing act between the actual portraits (some which we’ve seen, others we haven’t), those shooting the portraits, and insight into the world-famous woman at the center. Dating back to her coronation and the eleven-pound bejeweled crown, Queen Elizabeth II’s presence was that of style, grace, and dignity. The pictures don’t lie.

Available on digital beginning September 5, 2023

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MR. JIMMY (2023, doc)

August 30, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Obsession. Commitment. Dedication. Devotion. Pursuit of perfection. Whatever this is, it goes deeper than imitation. Akio Sakurai has spent thirty-plus years trying to become … well, let’s use his quote: “I want to be Jimmy Page.” Yes, Akio is not paying tribute to his guitar hero, and he zooms past the definition of fanboy. Director Peter Michael David chronicles Akio’s dream (over 8 years), and the film left me with conflicting emotions. Should I be in awe of Akio’s guitar-playing, or should I be worried about the mental state of someone so focused on being someone else?

Akio tells us it happened when he was about 19 years old. He watched the 1976 documentary, THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME, a concert film showcasing Led Zeppelin’s famed 1973 shows at Madison Square Garden. He along with many of us, were enthralled by the band, and especially by their ferocious guitarist, Jimmy Page. But it’s only Akio, a resident of Japan, and the son of a Kimono designer, who decided to ‘become’ Jimmy Page.

We are along for the ride as Akio meets with his costume designer, the technician who creates his pickups, the factory where his guitars are made, and the tuner of his amps. These are steps most guitarists take, but Akio’s difference is that everything must exactly match what Jimmy Page used … right down to the vintage amps and painstakingly matching stitching on the infamous Black Dragon suit.

Akio played clubs in Japan for years … matching note for note the way Jimmy Page a particular song in a particular year at a particular concert. It was 2012 when things changed. While on tour in Japan, Jimmy Page (yes, THE Jimmy Page) attended one of Akio’s shows and gave him an enthusiastic reception, truly appreciating the attention to craft on display. This ‘dream-like’ moment inspired Akio’s wife to encourage him to follow his dream to America, specifically California.

From this point on, the film follows Akio as he joins a club fand, Led Zepagain. As you can imagine, Akio’s obsession over every note played didn’t always sit well with bandmembers who just wanted to be a tribute band. We see clips of the band performing, and we go behind the scenes for some uncomfortable debates. Akio continues to hone his Page-ness by obsessing over bootleg recordings of Zeppelin concerts through the years. When the band dissolves, Akio forms another band and books a gig at Hollywood’s iconic Whisky A Go Go (opened in 1964), a standout performance that we see, yet one that cost Akio a great deal of money.

We are treated to clips from many of Mr. Jimmy’s performances, and his guitar skills are obvious. Bouncing back and forth from Japan to the United States allowed him to do what he loved, but we can’t help but wonder at what cost. Akio’s need to control details and unwillingness to compromise cost him his bandmates. We are told these traits are ‘very Japanese’, so it’s excused as a cultural thing We do see Akio’s joy at being selected to join Jason Bonham’s (son of the late John Bonham), but we can’t help wonder what drives one man to inhabit the style of another for so many years. As impressive as Akio is, it’s also kind of sad.

*NOTE: the film made the festival circuit in 2019, and is only now being released

Abramorama will release the film in theaters beginning September 1st. 

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WAYNE SHORTER: ZERO GRAVITY (2023, doc)

August 24, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. When the musical geniuses we respect and admire speak in awe and wonderment about another musician, we know it’s time to pay attention. Of course, Wayne Shorter has long been recognized as a Jazz giant, and unfortunately he passed away earlier this year. For this three-plus hour documentary, director Dorsay Alavi interviews such renowned artists as Joni Mitchell, Sonny Rollins, Carlos Santana, and Herbie Hancock. It’s fascinating to hear those on top of the mountain express high-level respect for Shorter using such descriptions as greatness, visionary, and genius.

Progressing in mostly chronological order, Alavi divides the film into 3 parts, or “portals” paying tribute to Shorter’s Buddhist practices. Portal 1 is subtitled “Newark Flash in NYC 1933-1971”. Portal 2 is “Faith is to be Fearless 1972-1999”, and Portal 3 is “Zero Gravity 2000”. We learn about Shorter’s childhood, including the bond with his mother, his early artistic talent, and his influences: movies, comic books, and music on the radio. Early on, he performed with his brother, and they went by Mr. Weird and Doc Strange. Later, Wayne became known as “Fast Fingers” for his work on the clarinet and sax, and after a stint in the Army, he joined Art Blakey’s band. When Miles Davis pursued Shorter to replace John Coltrane, the move freed Shorter to concentrate on his own compositions, leading to Miles Davis’ “ESP”.

The second portal focuses more on Shorter’s family life, which featured some highs to go with much tragedy – more than one man’s share. The challenges of marriage(s) and parenting are discussed, as is Shorter’s transition to fronting Weather Report, the band that brought jazz fusion to mass audiences and mainstream radio. It’s also in this phase where a grieving Shorter bonds with his third wife Carolina, a close friend of his second wife Ana Maria. It’s also here where Herbie Hancock and Wayne cement a friendship strengthened by musical talent and appreciation.

Portal three takes us through Shorter’s life post-Weather Report, allowing Wayne to explore even more new avenues for his music. The Wayne Shorter Quartet is featured and we hear from the other musicians that played with him. We are struck by how Shorter pushed each of them towards freedom and musical expression … they describe it as building the composition live, improvising the feel. It’s in this later stage where Shorter mentors many young musicians who are drawn to his brilliance. He is a musical Yoda … taking them off the page and into a new realm of artistry.

One of my favorite sequences comes when Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding collaborate on “Gaia”. Her singing and bass playing are ethereal, while his playing was never more free. One of Shorter’s fellow musicians describes his career as “the soundtrack of his life”, and another that his “music sounds like life.” Perhaps no other musician has received such compliments from those they played alongside and those they influenced. Wayne Shorter certainly deserves to be mentioned with Miles Davis, Charlie Bird, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, and Thelonius Monk as being among the greats of jazz, and while Dorsay Alavi’s documentary may be a bit long, the case is made.

Premiering on Prime Video on August 25, 2023

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LAKOTA NATION VS UNITED STATES (2023, doc)

July 10, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Let’s face it. The vast majority of U.S. educated folks have “learned” most of their Native American history from short segments in high school classes and from the portrayals in movies and TV shows. It seems fair to admit that these have been mostly one-sided tales. Well, here comes co-directors Laura Tomaselli and Jesse Short Bull to provide a detailed history from the Native American perspective, and I feel confident that many of you will find it as disturbing as I did.

This history dates back to the arrival of Europeans, but the focus here is on the mid-1800’s forward. We learn there have been more than 400 Treaties between the United States government and Native American tribes, with each successive ‘agreement’ whittling away a bit more of the land set aside for those who were already here. The film begins with some general history lessons, including the Dakota 38, where, in 1862, the U.S. government hanged 38 members of the Dakota tribe in the largest mass execution in U.S. history. The film’s focus is then further narrowed to the Lakota tribe and the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Native American poet Layli Long Soldier provides a voice and a bit of structure throughout, and her recurring “X marks the spot” carries significant weight regarding the treaties, the lack of understanding by tribal leaders, and the land itself. Parts one and two are labeled ‘Extermination’ and ‘Assimilation’, respectively, and we learn about the 150+ boarding schools that were more like boot camps designed to indoctrinate the natives … including the slogan, “Kill the Indian, save the man.”

The history is presented in mostly chronological order, and we see how the Lakotas continue the battle over their land – demanding reparations, the protection of clean waters, and the prevention of oil pipelines. This is the mission of the “Landback” movement, as their leaders share their (justified) anger and history with us. In recent years, the movement received a jolt when Donald Trump staged a July 4th celebration at Mount Rushmore, a particularly sacred land within the Black Hills of South Dakota. This lack of respect inspired many protests.

This is an exceedingly compelling documentary. It teaches us history in a manner that stimulates emotions on a subject from a perspective most of us have never considered … yet it is so crucial to the Lakota. Their ongoing struggle to reclaim their land is underscored by the fact that the Lakota continue to refuse the substantial monetary settlements offered by the government, choosing instead to hold fast to their demands of having the land returned to them.

Opens on July 14, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

HAVE YOU GOT IT YET? THE STORY OF SYD BARRETT AND PINK FLOYD (2023, doc)

July 10, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. “Wish you were here” is one of the songs Pink Floyd wrote in tribute to the band’s enigmatic founder, Syd Barrett. These days, fifty-five years after he left the band and seventeen years after his death, Barrett remains a mysterious cult figure in rock lore, enveloped by rumors and conjecture. Co-directors Roddy Bogawa and Storm Thorgerson (graphic designer of such classic album covers as Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”) attempt to present the facts by talking to a stream of folks who were there.

It might seem odd for a Syd Barrett documentary to be timed to coincide with the 50-year anniversary of Pink Floyd’s best-selling album, “The Dark Side of the Moon”, since Barrett didn’t perform on the album and had been gone from the band for five years. However, since the inspiration for the album’s concept and songs were derived from the band’s feelings towards Barrett, the timing does make sense. Bassist Roger Waters admits that Pink Floyd would not have existed without Barrett, and that is a crucial element to keep in mind despite the band having so much commercial success in the post-Barrett era.

“Creative genius” is an overused label, but Syd Barrett earned it, despite his short musical career. Enigma and mystery also apply to his story since he was basically kicked out of his own band and later retreated from public life … along the way displaying unconventional behavior. Did the LSD habit have detrimental effects? Did he suffer from an undiagnosed mental illness? Was he on the spectrum? Did he prefer a simpler, quieter life far from the rock star lifestyle? The directors offer many folks the chance to chime in with their memories and theories. Those interviewed include former band members, Barrett’s sister, his girlfriends, numerous childhood friends, influenced musicians, teachers, and psychologists.

Pink Floyd members Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and David Gilmour are respectful in their comments and give credit to Barrett for his influence. Also documented is the infamous day a barely recognizable Barrett dropped into Apple Studios while the band was recording “Wish You Were Here”. The photographs are shown and provide the startling contrast between that Barrett and the one we had seen a few years prior. The Syd Barrett described as “fun”, “artistic”, and “intelligent” was not the one sitting in the studio that day.

Rock legend Pete Townshend describing the psychedelic heavy metal sound of Barrett’s band is a highlight of the film, as is the somewhat sad story of the band deciding not to pick up an unpredictable Barrett before a gig … with the punchline, “why bother?” Another interesting bit of trivia is learning that Barrett named the band via a blues mashup of Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. The reverence displayed by each interviewee solidifies his lasting impact, and the utter confusion surrounding exactly what happened with him. We always hear ‘painters must paint’, and ‘writers must write’, and we wonder if Syd Barrett is the exception. Is his a sad story, or one of a man who found the life he preferred? We now know more, though we will never know that.

Available July 12, 2023

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ROCK HUDSON: ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWED (2023, doc)

June 28, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Actors earn a living thanks to their ability to perform in front of the camera (or a live audience) as someone else … making the audience believe they are a particular character of interest. But what happens when an actor must continue acting once the cameras stop rolling? Such was the life of Roy Fitzgerald, a man known worldwide as Rock Hudson. Documentarian Stephen Kijak chronicles the complications faced by Rock Hudson – maintaining the All-American public persona, while hiding a personal life that likely would have ended his career had his secret life as a gay man been publicized.

Perhaps the biggest surprise here is that the secret was kept for decades, even though so many in the industry were well aware. The answer to ‘why’ this wasn’t a big deal at a time it certainly would have been a big deal is likely related to just how likeable and nice Rock Hudson was. Not only did he have incredible appeal to both men and women, he was also an extraordinarily nice man … a matinee idol with the real life personality of Tom Hanks. Of course, here we are almost 40 years later, and Rock Hudson’s legacy is often boiled down to the fact that he was the first true celebrity to go public with his AIDS diagnosis, ultimately passing away from the disease in 1985 at age 59.

As is often the case, there is much more to the man than the headlines. After serving in the Navy during WWII, it was 1946 when he headed to Hollywood. There he met Ken Lodge who helped him get his start, and it was industry big-wig Henry Wilson who thought ‘Roy Fitzgerald’ was a pleasant enough name, but “Rock Hudson” was much better. And it was Wilson who molded Hudson into the ‘ladies man’ Adonis we grew accustomed to seeing on screen. Wilson even taught him how to come across as “hetero”, and stressed the importance of not being photographed with his ‘friends’ while in public. We even hear candid interviews from George Nader and Mark Miller who were very close friends of Hudson’s, and we understand how “The Castle” became the hangout to avoid public scrutiny.

Director Kijack is very clever in his use of archival movie clips that now can be interpreted much differently than when Hudson’s movies first played. When clumped together like this, we wonder how the clues were missed, and just how intentional some of the dialogue and situations were. We hear from the doctor who diagnosed Hudson with AIDS, and the importance of Reagan politics in the era is emphasized. One of the most heart-wrenching sequences revolves around the “Dynasty” episode where Hudson, knowing he was infected with AIDS, had to kiss series star Linda Evans. We also see how his long-time friends Doris Day and Elizabeth Taylor rallied around him when he went public.

Classic film lovers know Rock Hudson received his only Oscar nomination for GIANT (1957), and it should be noted that his thirty year career spanned just about every genre: the iconic Rom-Coms with Doris Day (PILLOW TALK, 1959); dramas (ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS, 1955); war (A GATHERING OF EAGLES, 1963); westerns (BEND OF THE RIVER, 1952); science-fiction (“The Mirror Crack’d”); crime-mysteries (PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW, 1971); and thrillers (ICE STATION ZEBRA, 1968). He also starred alongside Susan Saint James and Nancy Walker in one of my favorite TV series from the 1970’s, “McMillan and Wife.” Yet, despite so many terrific performances, shows, and films, Rock Hudson’s most challenging and impressive role was certainly that of Rock Hudson.

Premiering on HBO and MAX on June 28, 2023

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BUFFALO SOLDIERS: FIGHTING ON TWO FRONTS (2023, doc)

June 12, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. PBS excels at documentaries that bring to light a subject or topic which has been overshadowed or overlooked. In conjunction with WORLD channel and filmmakers Dru Holley, Jerome Young, and Jerry Bell Jr, this latest focuses on the previously uncelebrated role of African American soldiers in numerous wars dating back more than 150 years.

For those only familiar with the term “Buffalo Soldiers” thanks to the 1983 Bob Marley song, the film explains how legend tells us that the Native Americans gave the name to African American soldiers on the frontier, and it evolved into a nickname for all African American soldiers. Although the precise reason why the name was applied is still debated, the term has survived and can still be used today.

Timed to release on Juneteenth, the one-hour film depicts the crucial role of African American soldiers in war, and how their willingness to fight for the country was associated with their desired right to citizenship … and money. Perhaps the most revelatory moment occurs when we are informed that the infamous storming of San Juan Hill by Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War actually occurred AFTER the Buffalo Soldiers had cleared the way for them. The famous photograph is widened to provide evidence of these Buffalo soldiers.

Utilizing the fascinating stories of Moses Williams, William Cathay, and Charles Young delivers the personal aspect necessary to have the story resonate with skeptics. Williams spent 37 years in the military was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor, and the stories of Cathay (a female pretending to be a man in order to enlist) and Young (stationed in Liberia where blacks ruled over indigenous blacks) are equally enthralling.

Much of the focus here is on the Indian War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War, and the film succeeds in proving its point: Black history is American history. This is a piece of history that many of us have not been previously exposed, and it rights that wrong.

Premieres June 12 on PBS and June 19 on WORLD Channel’s Local, USA series

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IT AIN’T OVER (2023, doc)

May 25, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. In a perfect world we would judge each other by character, personality, integrity, and accomplishments. Unfortunately, too many still judge the book by its cover, and therein lies the only explanation for why Yogi Berra was not on the field at the 2015 All-Star game with Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Johnny Bench as one of the greatest living players. Berra, though he never cut the imposing athletic figure as those players, certainly fulfilled the four attributes listed above … including his accomplishments in the very game that was offering tribute to the greats of the game. Director Sean Mullin expertly proceeds to prove that Lorenzo Pietro “Yogi” Berra was not just one of the best baseball players of all-time, he was also a war hero, beloved father, grandfather, husband, public figure, and above all, a world-class person.

What Mr. Mullin does to elevate this documentary is not just focus on Yogi’s fabulous career as a player, but also on the rest of his life. This allows us to understand what a special man he was. Yogi’s granddaughter Lindsay frequently pops up for commentary, and she makes it abundantly clear that while Yogi learned to accept being baseball’s most overlooked superstar, she certainly has not. After all, Berra is the all-time leader in World Series championships as a player with 10, and has 13 rings total, including his time coaching. He was an 18 time All-Star and was voted onto the All-Century team. Remarkably, Yogi caught both ends of 117 doubleheaders in his career, and of course, caught Don Larsen’s World Series Perfect Game. As a New York Yankees player and coach, his presence in pinstripes linked the careers of Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, and Don Mattingly.

Those are some of the pieces of a life that are indelibly linked to baseball history, and in this documentary, we learn even more. He grew up on the same St Louis street as (another future major league catcher) Joe Garagiola, and the Branch Rickey story involving the two is fascinating. After signing with the Yankees for $500, Berra enlisted in the Navy, and found himself in the middle of the Normandy landings. Lindsay recounts the story of why Berra never received his Purple Heart, and the process she went through to ensure that he received a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was married to Carmen for 65 years, and they raised three sons, Dale (a Major Leaguer), Tim, and Larry. The story of how Carmen named Dale is one of the highlights of the film.

Lest you buy into the image of Yogi as the cartoon character (Yogi Bear) in Yellowstone, or the lovable post-career pitchman for Amtrak, Aflac, YooHoo, and Miller Lite, pay particular attention to the segment on Jackie Robinson’s steal of home in the World Series. This will clue you in on what an intense competitor Yogi was – helping to explain his incredible track record of winning. Of course, none of this is meant to minimize Yogi’s creative use of the English language. He became iconic for his malapropisms … often referred to as “Yogiisms”. This includes the famous one from which this film’s title was derived, “It ain’t over till it’s over” … right up there with “I really didn’t say everything I said.”

Berra’s rift with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner is analyzed, leaving us respecting Yogi’s years-long stance over being disrespected. Their eventual make-up led to an incredible “Yogi Berra Day” at Yankee Stadium, where the game remarkably lived up to the pre-game moment when Don Larsen threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Yogi. Director Mullin capitalizes on a long stream of former teammates, opponents, players, writers, and family members to provide insight into Yogi Berra. There is little doubt even more would have loved to contribute, as much in the way Yogi gives credit to Hall of Famer Bill Dickey for tutoring him on catching, so many are anxious to offer stories on how Yogi Berra influenced them. Let’s end this with more of Yogi’s wisdom. “If you come to a fork in the road, take it.” And when it comes to this excellent and entertaining documentary from Sean Mullin, keep in mind that “You can observe a lot by watching.”

Opens in theaters on May 26, 2023

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BEING MARY TYLER MOORE (2023, doc)

May 25, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. It’s borderline unfathomable that someone who has worked for almost 20 years as a cinematographer and a decade as a TV director could be “unfamiliar” with the work and career of one of the industry giants, yet that’s the claim of director James Adolphus (“Soul of a Nation” mini-series) when it comes to Mary Tyler Moore. His film does play a bit as if he’s opening a Christmas present that everyone else in the room knows what’s under the wrapping, and it’s because of this, the film works as not just a retrospective of her career, but also a tribute to a woman who influenced so many.

“The Dick Van Dyke Show” ran for 158 episodes between 1961 and 1966, and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” ran for 168 episodes between 1970 and 1977. These were two immensely popular shows during their respective eras, and because of her characters in each, Mary Tyler Moore spent time as both America’s favorite wife and America’s favorite single woman. These characters were cutting edge (for different reasons) for their time. Director Adolphus also provides insight into her childhood and early career. Mary was first married in 1954, not long after high school graduation. She found work as ‘Happy Hotpoint’, the dancer on Hotpoint advertisements, and clips of the ads are included here. Even after she became a world-famous actor, she remained a dancer at heart.

Betty Friedan and “The Feminine Mystique” are referenced a few times, and the point is made, even if it’s in a subtle manner, that Mary’s impact on feminism has long been overlooked. We hear from such industry folks as Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Asner, James L Brooks, and Treva Silverman, as well as friends and family, but it’s really Mary herself that we see on screen for the vast majority of the two-hour run time. In particular, a loose structure is formed from clips of her appearances on “The David Susskind Show” and an interview with Rona Barrett. These segments allow for some rare personal insight into Mary Tyler Moore as a person.

So many rare pictures, clips, and home movies are included that we easily follow a career that spanned 50 years … and three marriages. The first marriage produced her only child. The second marriage, to Grant Tinker, resulted in MTM Productions and her greatest professional success. However, it was the third marriage to Dr. Robert Levine, where she found true and long-lasting love, as well as the motivation to find herself with a stint at the Betty Ford Clinic for rehab in 1984. We learn of her Broadway redemption with “Whose Life is it, anyway?”, after her setback on stage many years earlier with a musical “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Probably the most surprising segment here revolves around the original pilot for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” … it has great video and behind-the- scenes scoop.

Given her comedic chops displayed in her two most famous sitcoms, many of us were caught off guard with her Oscar nominated performance in Robert Redford’s ORDINARY PEOPLE (1980). What we discover here is that Mary’s personal life was nearly as rosy as Laura Petrie’s or Mary Richards’, and many real-life personal losses allowed her to reveal a bit more of her true self on screen. Most of us know that Mary was the female lead in Elvis Presley’s final feature film, CHANGE OF HABIT (1969), but we might not have known that Carl Reiner was her comedy hero, or that her own struggles with diabetes (over decades) led her to become International Chairperson of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). For one who seemed to constantly define the contemporary woman, Mary Tyler Moore’s story is impressive, and her personal archives bring more meaning to “Love is All Around.”

Beginning May 26, 2023, the documentary will air on HBO and stream on MAX

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