Life Is A Banquet

The Rosalind Russell Story

2009     1 x 60 min     Color & B/W     English

A Total Media Group production

Selected for 2009 Realscreen Magazine’s “MIP PICKS”

Written, Produced and Directed by Jonathan Gruber

Narrated by Kathleen Turner

Edited by Atticus Culver-Rease • Executive Producer Bob Lurie • Executive Producer Aldo Panattoni

Original Music Christopher Hedge • Piano Performed by William Hedge

Associate Producer Elizabeth Arthur • Consulting Producer Fred Aurelio

Funded by The Connie & Bob Lurie Foundation

The star of Auntie Mame, His Girl Friday, Gypsy and scores of other memorable films and Broadway shows, Rosalind Russell came into her own during Hollywood’s Golden Era and was paired with many of the luminaries of that time, including Joan Crawford, Cary Grant and Kirk Douglas. This insightful and warm profile comes on the occasion of the 70th anniversaries of her breakthrough role as Sylvia Fowler in The Women (2009) and her most famous role as Hildy Johnson in His Girl Friday (2010). Long an advocate for those with disabilities, late in life this unique and pioneering talent was struck with severe rheumatoid arthritis, which de- railed her career. Thereafter, Russell championed the needs of millions also suffering from the disease. Whether considered for her sophisticated comedy roles or dignity under duress, her humanity shines through.