Based on Karen Lystra's same-titled book, this documentary from filmmaker Richard Altomonte recounts Mark Twain's final years, combining voiceover narration with archival footage, photos, letter readings, talking-head interviews, excerpts from Twain's autobiography (the first part of which was recently published to major acclaim), and dramatic re-creations with actor Leer Leary portraying the writer. Lystra and other scholars talk about Twain's career, his marriage to Livy Langdon, and their daughters Clara, Jean, and Suzy (a son, Langdon, died in infancy). The narrative then shifts to Twain's relationship with his secretary, Isabel Lyon, who was alleged to have conspired, along with Twain's assistant, Ralph Ashcroft, to gain control over the celebrated author's estate. Says Lystra, “I think he was mesmerized by her”—which might have proved a solace after Livy's death, except Twain wasn't looking for a romantic replacement. Instead, he put Jean—who suffered from epilepsy—in Isabel's care, which eventually led to Jean being placed in a sanitarium, a move that Twain later regretted. Twain also made some bad decisions in the business realm, inviting Ashcroft into his inner circle to manage his affairs, which proved to be a particularly costly mistake. Clara accused Ashcroft and Lyon of embezzlement, and while there was no evidence to prove the charge, Twain remained embittered. DVD extras include an interview with Lyon's friend Joyce Aaron, and a photo gallery. Sure to be popular given the high profile release of Twain's autobiography, this is recommended Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
Dangerous Intimacy: The Untold Story of Mark Twain's Final Years
(2010) 73 min. DVD: $19.98. eOne Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Volume 26, Issue 2
Dangerous Intimacy: The Untold Story of Mark Twain's Final Years
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