Andrew Wyeth: Self-Portrait -- Snow Hill

One of the finest American artists is sensitively portrayed in this fond remembrance. Narrator Stacy Keach has the right New England timbre in his voice as he reads passages from letters written by Andrew Wyeth and by his father. Home movies of Andrew's boyhood in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania add a special touch to this film and also give viewers an insight into the forces that shaped Wyeth's talents. His stern, often unforgiving, father--a painter, himself--had a strict code of ethics by which Andrew and his family lived, and as long as they stayed within those boundaries they were free to develop their own skills. Interviews with Andrew Wyeth, Betsy Wyeth, Andrew's model (and some say mistress) Helga Testorf, combined with the home movies, appropriate background music, Keach's narration, and the beauty of the Chadds Ford area all combine to make this an important contribution in the knowledge available to the public about this major artist. Recommended for larger fine arts collections. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Carlson)