Harold Clurman: A Life of Theatre

I am not a theater person, nor have I ever acted. Because of this, it's not very surprising that I've never heard of Harold Clurman. However, to people in the know, he's a bit of a god when it comes to Broadway. He apparently was a great guiding force during his lifetime and his work as a director, drama critic and writer are legendary.

The film covers Clurman's Broadway career and is NOT a biography of the man. You actually learn nothing of him outside the theater. Instead old footage of Clurman (who died in 1980) and interviews with many famous folks make up the bulk of this episode of "American Masters". Among the topics covered was his work in forming the famous Group Theater, his style as a director and his impact on folks in the industry.

By the way, the footage of Clurman is amazing, as he's the most hyperkinetic person I've ever witnessed who wasn't on drugs or mentally ill! Amazing to watch.