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Literary Mavericks: Docs about Paul Bowles, James Thurber and Harold Ross on DVD and VOD June 17th |
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 PAUL BOWLES: THE CAGE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN
87 minutes, documentary, color, 2013
A film by Daniel Young
When Paul Bowles moved to Tangiers, Morocco in 1949, it was a sanctuary for artists, writers and the wealthy to do as they pleased without fear of prosecution. Soon, his friends from America began visiting: Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Gore Vidal, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs and many others. The Beats and the Hippies all searched him out, lured by the mysterious, exotic world he depicted in his books, notably The Sheltering Sky. But that was only one side of the story.
Based on an exclusive series of interviews with Bowles shortly before his death and anecdotes provided by his friends and collaborators including Gore Vidal, Bernardo Bertolucci, John Waters, Ruth Fainlight, Edmund White, William Burroughs, Francis Bacon and many others, this fascinating documentary reveals a daring and visionary life that went way beyond sexuality.
“Lively and evocative... brimming with fascinating people. For many filmgoers, the most familiar work of Bowles is his 1949 novel The Sheltering Sky, made into a film 40 years later by Bernardo Bertolucci, one of some 20 interviewees, including Bowles himself, in this thoroughly researched documentary.”- The Hollywood Reporter
“An ambitious cinematic portrait that deciphers the turbulent writing and mysterious persona of Paul Bowles.” - Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival
Packaged in a 100% Certified Green Forestry Practices Eco Pack
UPC: 7-20229-91602-8 | Catalog #: FRF 916028D | SRP: $24.95 | Street: June 17 |
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 JAMES THURBER: THE LIFE AND HARD TIMES
57 minutes, documentary, color, 2000
A film by Adam Van Doren
James Thurber: The Life and Hard Times is the first major documentary on the life and work of one of America's greatest humorists. Known for his classic short story, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Thurber was a legendary contributor of prose and cartoons to The New Yorker magazine where he worked for many years. Narrated by George Plimpton, this documentary includes interviews with Edward Albee, John Updike, Alistair Cooke, Roy Blount Jr., Fran Lebowitz and others.
“Insightful...illuminates the artist's career with well-chosen selections from the work itself. Bolstered by insightful comments from, among others, John Updike and
Fran Lebowitz, the film provides a strong rebuttal to Thurber's own mocking
self-assessment that he was 'nothing but a God-damned humorist.'”- The New Yorker
“A labor of love by Adam Van Doren...the first major biographical film about the wit that many consider second only to Mark Twain as an American humorist.” - The Boston Globe
“An enthusiastic cadre of fans contribute fond reflections of Thurber, whose short stories and cartoons helped give The New Yorker its reputation for sophisticated humor and classy writing over the 30 years of their connection.” - The New York Times
Packaged in a 100% Certified Green Forestry Practices Eco Pack
UPC: 7-20229-91600-4 | Catalog #: FRF 916004D | SRP: $24.95 | Street: June 17
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 TOP HAT & TALES: HAROLD ROSS AND THE MAKING OF THE NEW YORKER
47 minutes, documentary, color, 2001
A film by Adam Van Doren
Top Hat and Tales chronicles the early years of The New Yorker, from its fledging beginnings under its legendary creator and editor Harold Ross, to its rise as an indispensable American institution. Interviews with celebrated writers and cartoonists such as John Updike, David Remnick, Roger Angell, Lee Lorenz, and Roz Chast will inform how The New Yorker's signature style and content was shaped by its early contributors, including E.B. White, James Thurber, Charles Addams, Janet Flanner, J. D. Salinger, and more. Film clips, home movies and images from the anthology of The New Yorker covers and cartoons illustrate this look at one of journalism's most revered publications. Commentary by Charles Schulz, Stuart Hample and Roy Blount, Jr. offer insight into The New Yorker's role in the nation's cultural history.
“The appeal of this charming film comes from the way it reflects the glamorous era into which The New Yorker was born. Rich with film clips of the 20's and 30's - jazz bands, speakeasies, skyscrapers on the rise - it evokes the Manhattan that Astaire and Rogers so often glided through.” - The New York Times
“The New Yorker is an American icon and success story that reaches far beyond its origins as a metropolitan weekly, and this is an illuminating and evocative program about a man who was visionary. ” - Video Librarian
“In a welcome paean to the venerable magazine and its creator, this fascinating film profiles the rather paradoxical Harold Ross... Insightful commentary and the well-delivered narration of actor Stanley Tucci nicely capture the alchemy of elements - engaging fiction, satirical cartoons, challenging articles - that continue to mark the literate periodical.” - Booklist
Packaged in a 100% Certified Green Forestry Practices Eco Pack
UPC: 7-20229-91601-1 | Catalog #: FRF 916011D | SRP: $24.95 | Street: June 17
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Please visit our website for press materials including box art, photos and press kits |
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Please send review links to michelle@firstrunfeatures.com |
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