Karl Hess: Toward Liberty (1980)

A look at Karl Hess, libertarian intellectual and activist, from his background as a magazine editor in his youth to his work as a Republican speechwriter, as he became simultaneously a ... See full summary »

Directors:

Roland Hallé, Peter W. Ladue

Stars:

Karl Hess, Kevin Burns, Barry Goldwater

Won 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Karl Hess	...	Himself
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kevin Burns	...	Narrator (voice)
Barry Goldwater	...	Himself (archive footage)
Adolf Hitler	...	Himself (archive footage)

Storyline

A look at Karl Hess, libertarian intellectual and activist, from his background as a magazine editor in his youth to his work as a Republican speechwriter, as he became simultaneously a writer for Barry Goldwater and a member of Students for a Democratic Society. In the late 1960s he embarked on a new period in his life, moving to rural West Virginia and becoming involved in movements promoting alternative technologies and renewable energy. He discusses his views opposing large institutions, ranging from government to corporations to universities.

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Plot Keywords:

libertarian | speechwriter | politics | welding | alternative energy | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Short | Biography

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

October 1980 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Kearneysville, West Virginia, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Halle/Ladue

Technical Specs

Runtime:

26 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Political Awakening

This profile of Barry Goldwater's primary speech writer really opened my eyes about the Libertarian party and was a starting point for my exploration of Libertarian political thought, which I continue to believe today.

The film won a Student Academy Award (the film makers were at Boston University in the late 70's) and went on to win the real Oscar for best short doc at the Academy Awards in 1981.