Amber Edwards Movies

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Jerry Herman is a singer and songwriter who rose to fame on the strength of several hit Broadway shows, launched at a time when the rise of rock and roll was leading many to doubt the future of the American musical theater. Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey to parents with a love of musical theater, Jerry Herman staged his first show while he was in college in 1955, and shortly after graduation he wrote music and lyrics for an off-Broadway show that ran two years. But it was 1964's blockbuster hit Hello Dolly that made Herman a big name on Broadway, and his next show, Mame, was nearly as successful. While many of Herman's subsequent shows were critical successes, they failed to enjoy the same level of success, and the film versions of both Hello Dolly and Mame failed to capture the magic of the stage versions. But Herman enjoyed a surprise comeback with 1983's La Cage Aux Folles, and today he's regarded as one of the last great figures of Broadway's golden age. Filmmaker Amber Edwards pays homage to Herman and his songs with Words and Music by Jerry Herman, a documentary which features performances of some of Herman's best known songs along with stories of his career in music. Among the interview subjects and performers are Carol Channing, Angela Lansbury, Leslie Uggams, Michael Feinstein, Charles Nelson Reilly, Fred Ebb, Marge Champion and many others. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Starring:: Jerry Herman, Ken Bloom, (more)

George Segal: American Still Life: 2001; Add George Segal: American Still Life to Queue Add George Segal: American Still Life to top of Queue

This program profiles sculptor extraordinaire George Segal, known best for his life-size plaster creations of ordinary people performing the simplest of tasks. The profile looks at Segal's life, his art, and the impression he made on American still life art. Insight comes from intimate interviews with family, friends, art critics, and art connoisseurs. Also included is archival footage from the 1960s and the generation and culture within it. A highlight of the program is a look inside the previously inaccessible barn/museum of this American great. ~ C. Dwayne Smith, All Movie Guide

Against the Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance: 1993; Add Against the Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance to Queue Add Against the Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance to top of Queue

Part social engineering, part artistic happening, the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s brought the accomplishments of African-Americans to the forefront of popular culture. Against All Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance remembers the glory days of the New York neighborhood. Spurred by efforts from the NAACP and the Urban League, black Americans were urged to step up creatively after the 1919 race riots. The result was a blossoming of talent through theatre, music, dance, and art. Harlem became a place of intrigue as people recognized the heightened activity. This one-hour presentation traces the history of this important American movement. ~ Sarah Ing, All Movie Guide