Ric Burns makes his first appearance on the podcast His new documentary, “Oliver Sachs: His Own Life” will enjoy an exclusive engagement at Film Forum’s virtual cinema as of Wednesday, September 23rd. Oliver Sacks (1933-2015), termed “the poet laureate of medicine” by The New York Times, was a man of infinite compassion, whose scientific and literary accomplishments made him the first public intellectual in the field of medicine and a revered figure. London-born, to an Orthodox Jewish family, and eccentric from his earliest days (his first friend was the periodic table!), Sacks was dogged by homophobia (his mother called him “an abomination”), self-destructiveness (including extensive drug use as a young man), obsessions with swimming, motorcycling, and body-building — and for many years the hostility of the medical establishment. Ironically, it was the Robin Williams/Robert De Niro Hollywood movie of his book, Awakenings, that led to his acceptance by the scientific community.
The 92Y (online) is hosting a “Master Class on the Brothers Mankiewicz” on Tuesday, September 22, 6PM Eastern. The panelists include moderator Illeana Douglas (returning to the podcast), Sydney Ladensohn Stern, author of the book “The Brothers Mankiewicz: Hope, Heartbreak and Hollywood Classics” (also returning), and daughter of Joe Mankiewicz, Alex Mankiewicz making her first appearance. In this segment —also available to view on Filmwax Radio’s YouTube channel— we discuss the upcoming event with great enthusiasm. Tickets for the event are on the 92Y’s website. And if you feel inclined, pick up a copy of Sydney’s book as well, available in hardbound, audio or eBook!
