Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, which aired as part of PBS's American Masters, is a must for anyone interested in Liza Minnelli, a performer so iconic that Halston dressed her and Andy Warhol painted her portrait.
Bruce David Klein's documentary is very much an authorized profile, which allowed him access to his subject and her social circle, and Liza has a lot of famous friends, like musical performers Joel Grey and Ben Vereen, and they're all here, with the exception of those, like disco-era designer Halston, who have passed away. Klein is particularly effective in illuminating those friendships, primarily with men, that have sustained Liza more than any of her romantic relationships.
In terms of her talents, he highlights her abilities as a dancer, since Liza doesn't think she was the best singer, so while the documentary includes a lot of singing, there isn't much talk about it. She underestimates herself, and it may simply be because she's the legendary Judy Garland's daughter. (Unlike her father, Vincente Minelli, she never turned to directing.)
Judy Garland, herself, doesn't come across all that well, but both she and mentor Kay Thompson, a commanding figure famed for the Eloise series of children’s books, could be fiercely competitive with Liza in ways that weren't especially healthy--over the years, some critics have even claimed that Liza, who grew up in a series of hotels, inspired Eloise.
Klein doesn't ignore her acting, but he does give it short shrift. He cites Bob Fosse’s Oscar-winning Cabaret and Martin Scorsese's New York New York--during which the two had an affair--but that's about it. He also mentions her television appearances, like the Fosse-directed, Emmy Award-winning Liza with a Z, but she received an Oscar nomination for Alan J. Pakula's directorial debut, The Sterile Cuckoo, and helped to make Steve Gordon's screwball comedy Arthur! a hit, and Klein doesn't mention them at all. It’s possible they didn't fit his thesis, because they weren't musicals, but she had acting chops.
There's little mention of Liza's health either, other than her past struggles with substance abuse, though this may be design, assuming she wasn't especially interested in revisiting her various medical setbacks. At the time of filming, she was retired and somewhat limited in mobility, but she does sing a song with Feinstein, the de facto narrator, and she gives it her all.
In 2026, Liza released an eagerly-awaited memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, that goes into more detail, but Bruce David Klein offers an excellent overview of her roller coaster of a personal life and her brilliant career as a musical performer.
Why should public and academic libraries add this Liza Minnelli documentary to their collections?
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story provides an engaging overview of one of America's most celebrated entertainers, tracing Liza Minnelli's remarkable career alongside the personal relationships that shaped her life. Rich with archival performances and interviews from friends and collaborators, the documentary will appeal to patrons interested in Broadway, classic Hollywood, musical theater, and LGBTQ+ cultural history. Academic libraries can also use it to support coursework in film, theater, music, and popular culture, offering students an accessible introduction to Minnelli's enduring influence on stage and screen.
Which library audiences should watch this Liza Minnelli documentary?
This documentary is an excellent choice for fans of Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Broadway, and classic American entertainment. Patrons interested in biographies of influential performers will appreciate its exploration of Minnelli's friendships, artistic collaborations, and remarkable resilience throughout a decades-long career. It also fits well into library programming celebrating musical theater, Hollywood history, or LGBTQ+ icons, making it a versatile selection for both public and academic audiences seeking an entertaining introduction to one of the most recognizable performers of the twentieth century.
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