I've always had a soft spot for Ann Landers, a.k.a. Eppie Lederer. She began her column one month before I was born, ensuring her an eternal place in baby boomer iconhood, and taught me so much about life and love. Even if I did have to "sneak" to read her column--what with its daring and occasionally racy topics--I came to appreciate her plain-spoken, sensible advice and absolute reliability. I realized, though, that I knew very little about her personal life, so I was pleased to see that A & E's Biography had devoted an episode to this saucy Midwestern gal of "fierce personality and sublime self-confidence." Complete with interviews with everybody from Walter Cronkite to Landers' cousin, and of course Ann herself, this tape does a fine job outlining her background, work and political history, marriage and divorce, but leaves some stones unturned. For instance, what exactly is Landers' work routine? I've heard that she employs 6 or so assistants; they were not mentioned. And how do those few people handle all that mail? What is her social life like? What causes does she believe in and contribute to? Does she have any grandchildren? Is she religious? Is she still feuding with sister "Dear Abby" (the tape is unclear on this issue). Despite these omissions, though, this video is recommended, so "wake up and smell the coffee" and consider it for your collection. Aud: P. (K. Glaser)
Ann Landers: America's Confidante
(1999) 46 min. $19.95. A&E Home Video (avail. from most distributors). PPR. ISBN: 0-7670-1712-9. Vol. 14, Issue 4
Ann Landers: America's Confidante
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