Harold Clurman: A Life Of Theatre

Harold Clurman, theatre producer, director, and critic is the subject of this engaging documentary. Narrated by Meryl Streep, with readings from Clurman's book The Fervent Years by Roy Scheider, the majority of the program consists of interviews with Clurman himself. This outspoken, fiery man revolutionized American theatre in the 1930's when he created a company of thespians called The Group Theatre. Under Clurman's exhortatory tutelage, the group put on plays with a social theme (an exceptional departure for the theatre in the days of the Busby Berkeley Depression antidote musicals). During Clurman's long and illustrious career he directed plays by Odets, O'Neill, Hellman, Miller, and Carson McCullers to name but a few. In extremely animated fashion, Clurman talks about his devotion to making theatre the best that it could be, and shares his viewpoints on life: "a flop. But what fun this flop is!" (Eyes blazing, arms and legs obeying some strange master of their own.) Some of the footage was taken at a dinner party in his honor held at the Broadway theatre which bears his name. Clurman, who died in 1980, sincerely believed that the theatre taught us about what it means to be human, that it encompassed the whole range of art, politics, and society--reflecting both the ills and the joys of our unique adventure on this planet. An inspirational man. Highly recommended for larger schools and public libraries. (Available from: Famous Productions, 19 Wavecrest Ave. #10, Venice, CA 90291.)