Touch of Greatness, A

Alternative title

Independent Lens: A Touch of Greatness

Synopsis

Television documentary about the US influential educator Albert Cullum. Cullum allowed Shakespeare, Sophocles, and Shaw to reign in his fifth grade public school classroom. Through the use of poetry, drama and imaginative play, Cullum championed an unorthodox educational philosophy. Many of Cullum’s projects were recorded on film by the then novice filmmaker Robert Downey, Sr. The film blends black and white footage and rare archival television broadcasts together with interviews of Cullum and his former students. There are scenes of the children working on Macbeth, Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Television; Video

Transmission details

11 Jan 2005 (Channel: PBS)

Duration

54 mins

Credits

Director

Leslie Sullivan

Producer

Catherine Gund

Cinematographer

David Mansfield; Robert, Snr Downey

Production Design

Desma Murphy

Contributor

Albert Cullum

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Subjects

Drama; Education

Keywords

schoolchildren; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); teaching; School productions; Cullum, Albert

Notes

Notes

The DVD extras include 120 minutes of extra footage - three original films from the 1960s directed by Albert Cullum and photographed and edited by Robert Downey Sr; two complete episodes of Camera Three, the CBS television series, featuring Cullum and his students; archival stills gallery and filmmaker biographies.

Online Availability

Online URL

http://atouchofgreatness.com/

Production Company

Name

Aubin Pictures

Distributor (Sale)

Name

First Run Features

Email

info@firstrunfeatures.com

Web

http://firstrunfeatures.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

(212) 243 0600

Fax

(212) 989 7649

Address

630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213
New York
New York 10036
USA

Notes

First Run is a well-established US distributor specialising in independent films and is especially strong on documentaries. In addition to a home video store it has an educational/non-theatrical division supplying titles to libraries and educational institutions. The purchase of these titles includes non-theatrical Public Performance Rights. The educational catalogue is browsable by title or subject.