Greetings again from the darkness. It’s been 25 years since this documentary from Stanley Jacobs made the festival rounds, and now his 1999 film has gained an “anniversary” release in theaters and on 4K digital. Those of us of a certain age recall our favorite TV shows being interrupted with commercials for the latest “As Seen on TV” products. Ginsu knives and Pocket Fisherman were two of the most prominent, yet there were dozens more that gained airtime. What stood out was the excitement of those presenting the products, making that day’s miracle seem like a must-have for everyone … well except the Ronco Salad Shooter held little appeal for my younger self. But a Ginsu knife that cut through tin cans? I could find a use for that!
Jacobs’ tracks the origins of pitch people back to the days of traveling ‘Medicine Men’ and their cure-all potions, to the untrusted ‘Snake Oil’ salesmen (who were often the same folks). What’s clear is that we humans have always (and continue to) been enticed by anything promised to make our daily lives easier and better … or as PT Barnum (supposedly) said, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” Of course, one need not have traveled in a covered wagon or even grown up with limited network TV in the 1970’s to have been mesmerized by the best (or even mediocre) pitch people. Every county and state fair, and most every trade show, car show, and conference, features the entertaining sideshow of a pitch person and their slight-of-hand, fast-talking presentation of some gadget. What Jacobs shows us is that these masters of oratory skills typically take great pride in their talent and results.
Pitchers, hawkers, grafters, barkers, salespeople … it matters little what label is applied. Their job is to draw folks in, set the hook, and make the sale. The more fun you have with the pitch, the more likely you are to part with greenbacks (or tap your card these days). Ron Popeil (and his RonCo) may be the most famous and successful, and here, Jacobs details Popeil’s dad as well as the birth of the infomercial. Ed McMahon of Johnny Carson fame gets his own segment, and we experience how the pitch, once mastered, stays within the pitch person. We also hear from many others who work in this profession, some you’ll recognize, others you’ll feel like you should.
Slicers and dicers, miracle mops, and cookware, as well as anything “-O-Matic”, are big players in this market, and we find it entertaining to watch the pitch, but also see the reactions of those gathered around the booth at the fair. It’s quite a phenomenon, and one that Stanley Jacobs expertly captured in this documentary from many years ago … one certainly due a resurgence.
Opening in select theaters in 4K beginning March 1, 2024
Posted by David Ferguson 
Greetings again from the darkness. The art of stop-motion consists of bringing hunks of clay to life and telling an interesting story. It’s excruciatingly slow work requiring meticulous attention to detail. The first feature length film from animator-turned-writer/director Robert Morgan is co-written with Robin King, and pays homage to this distinct art form. Of course, since it’s a horror film, it also makes good use of the adage … an artist being consumed by their art.
Greetings again from the darkness. Ed Schmitt has lost his faith. His wife dies, leaving him with two young daughters … the youngest of which, due to Biliary Artesia, needs a liver transplant to avoid her mother’s tragic fate. These circumstances have straddled Ed with $400,000 in medical bills, and the possibility of losing his precious daughter before a donor can be found. Directed by Jon Gunn (MY DATE WITH DREW documentary, 2004), the film is based on a true story with a screenplay by Kelly Fremong Craig (THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN 2016; ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET 2023) and actress Meg Tilly (her first screenplay).
Greetings again from the darkness. Regardless of how attractive the real estate prices seem, it’s usually best to avoid small rural towns controlled by a violent crime boss nicknamed Big Cat. Especially when she doesn’t hesitate to make an example of those who cross her, and she ‘owns’ the local Sheriff and runs drugs throughout the area. Even those who break away from her organization are likely to get dragged back in, ‘do this or else’ style, if Big Cat wants them back. It’s a self-perpetuating cesspool of control and being controlled.
Greetings again from the darkness. There is no shortage of movies depicting the challenges associated with being a parent, although there is an added element of interest when a real-life father and daughter are cast in the lead roles (remember PAPER MOON with Ryan and Tatum O’Neal?). Such is the case with this first feature film from director Emma Westenberg, co-written by Vera Bulder, Ruby Caster, and Elle Malan. Ewan McGregor and his daughter Clara McGregor co-star in a dramatic father-daughter road movie filled with awkward moments.
Greetings again from the darkness. As a kid and blossoming baseball fanatic, there were few things more exciting than ripping into a new pack of baseball cards. While some friends used clothes pins to attach them to bike wheels for a cool sound, I preferred to study the cards, especially the statistics and brief bio on the back. Often, the flat panel of bubble gum included was so stale it would snap in two, but the smell of a pack remains ingrained in my olfactory memory bank all these years later. In this documentary, Morgan Jon Fox explores the difference between traditional card hobbyists and new age collectable card investors, and introduces us to the people who have driven the changes.
Greetings again from the darkness. I do not cook and have never had an interest in learning to. Still, I do understand how some are drawn to it as an art form … creating new dishes and new flavors, while generating such pleasurable sensations across the palettes of others. It’s a passion like many professions (or hobbies), and it’s one that is best shared with others.
Greetings again from the darkness. There is something to be said for ‘fake it ‘til you make it’, but most of us find bold-faced lying is a bit more difficult to root for. There is also something to be said for keeping to the familiar path, as therein lies safety. Adhering to the familiar is exactly what actress-turned-director Carlson Young has accomplished with the script from co-writers Christine Lenig, Luke Spencer Roberts, and Justin Matthews. We know where this is headed once we hear Anna interpret a piece of art she has mounted (without permission) in the small apartment her sister and (overly boisterous) brother-in-law have allowed her to stay since she’s in debt and without income.
Greetings again from the darkness. I’ll readily admit that I’m not an expert in outer space-based Science Fiction Romantic-Comedies. If you press me for a description of writer-director Michael Lukk Litwak’s film, it would be “WHEN HARRY MET SALLY … in future space”. Of course, this low budget flick is no match for Rob Reiner’s classic 1989 Rom-Com, yet the mismatched couple and the recurring spontaneous meetups does strike some familiar chords.
Greetings again from the darkness. Robin Williams. Richard Pryor. Jim Carrey. Michael Keaton. Whoopi Goldberg. That’s just a few of the stand-up comedians who successfully transitioned to acting in movies. While it seems like a natural next step, there have been even more for whom the transition simply didn’t work, although a TV series seems to be a worthwhile fallback for most. Matt Rife becomes the latest to take the leap from late night comedy club gigs to the silver screen. As an internet sensation, Mr. Rife has a built-in following, despite the recent backlash over his poor choice of jokes.
