Masterpiece or Forgery? The Story of Elmyr de Hory

Art galleries around the world shudder at the mention of Elmyr (El-MEER) de Hory, a roguish old mountebank who managed to turn a major artistic talent into a lucrative larceny. Even before his death in 1976 (and he has more re-incarnations than Elvis!) he was known as a master forger of such contemporary artists as Modigliani, Matisse, and Picasso. So skilled were his forgeries that in later life, they took on a value all their own; it became chic to own a 'de Hory' no matter who had been replicated (he asserted that he never "copied"). This video looks at the life of de Hory as seen through the eyes of those who knew him best--or thought they did. Interviews with an eclectic group ranging from actress Ursula Andress to author Clifford Irving help to fill in some of the gaps in de Hory's life. De Hory was truly a skilled artist, but when he could not interest people in purchasing his paintings in his own style, he turned to imitating the work of others and became the toast of Continental high society. Masterpiece or Forgery? is a bit frenetic in its leaping from country to country in search of de Hory's story, but overall it is as enjoyable and fulfilling as working through a good Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. Recommended for larger collections. Aud: C, P. (J. Carlson)