Browse Films

This charming, Oscar nominated, documentary was shot at the Actor's Fund Home in Englewood N.J., a retirement community for showbiz professionals. No ordinary nursing home, many of these residents are still full of vitality as they recall tales of Broadway's golden age, Hollywood and life on the road. In fact, these aging troopers not only tell a good tale, they still perform. Former Ziegfeld Follies dancer, Tessie Marino, shimmies her way around a common room, to the delight of her friends. Jazz musician Bernard Flood has two amputated legs as a result of diabetes, but that doesn't stop him from serenading his fellow performers. A group of thespians read from a script as they prepare to perform a play. Mostly, though, these performers provide a rich source of stories about unique, American art forms. Dancer Tessie Marino is a living connection to the early days of the modern, American Musical Theatre. She started as a ballet dancer and was soon noticed by the great Broadway producer, Florenz Ziegfeld. By the age of 18 she was performing in Paris with Josephine Baker. Still vivacious at 93, Marino says that she had to overcome the prejudices of the day when she was required to share her dressing room with Baker. She did and they became friends, Racial bigotry was not all that faced these performers. Gaylord Mason recounts how he was arrested on suspicion of homosexuality. It resulted in his being blacklisted and losing a role to then unknown, Kirk Douglas. Mason kept working in regional theater and is proud to have made it to the age of 83. Still, one wonders whether or not Mason, rather than Douglas, would have become the movie star. "Curtain Call" captures first hand accounts of an important era in American cultural history. There is a great deal to be learned from these elder thespians. This award-winning production is a life affirming film. It proves that even in the last years of one's life, there can still be fulfillment and joy. Produced by Steve Kalafer and Peter Le Donne. Produced and Directed by Chuck Braverman

The 38-minute film, nominated for an Academy Award this year in the short-subject documentary category, gives a touching, bittersweet look at the entertainers...
AMY WESTFELDT
Associated Press
full review

I cherished "Curtain Call."
Monica Collins
Boston Herald
full review

Though Chuck Braverman's 38-minute film lost its Academy Award bid, it got a lot of attention -- and will get more when it makes its cable debut at 7 tonight on Cinemax.
Jim Beckerman
Bergen Record
full review

AWARDS & SCREENINGS:

• Nominated for Academy Award?, Documentary Short