Walter Winchell: The Power of Gossip
PBS American Masters unravels the life and times of radio commentator
and syndicated newspaper gossip columnist Walter Winchell (portrayed by
Stanley Tucci), who reached an audience of 50 million and pioneered the
fast-paced, gossip-driven, politically charged journalism that dominates
today.
In one sense this is a typical historical documentary, using interviews, old footage and photographs. But I tried to recreate Winchell’s tabloid style by working closely with the animator to incorporate dramatic movement, and by editing with much faster rhythms than is expected for the genre.
Aired on PBS October 20, 2020
In one sense this is a typical historical documentary, using interviews, old footage and photographs. But I tried to recreate Winchell’s tabloid style by working closely with the animator to incorporate dramatic movement, and by editing with much faster rhythms than is expected for the genre.
Aired on PBS October 20, 2020
“Writer/producer/director Ben Loeterman masterfully incorporates a fascinating collection of vintage archival footage, audio and photos (the Lindbergh, American Nazi party and Josephine Baker segments are especially gripping). Sharply focused anecdotes from period historians (most especially Winchell biographer Neal Gabler); spot-on Winchell reenactments voiced by actor Stanley Tucci; and unobtrusive voice over narration by Whoopi Goldberg round out this outstanding 90-minute documentary that will grab you from its 1952 “What’s My Line” opener and never let you go. Walter Winchell: the Power of Gossip is one of the best films in THIRTEEN’s American Masters’ series for WNET to come along in recent memory.”
–FrontRowCenter
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