Brother Theodore (2007)

He is considered to be one of the most significant links in the history of comedy, admired by such people as Eric Bogosian and Woody Allen. His television appearances have spanned from Merv... See full summary »

Director:

Jeff Sumerel

Writer:

Jeff Sumerel

Stars:

Woody Allen, Len Belzer, Eric Bogosian

Cast

Credited cast:
Woody Allen	...	Himself
Len Belzer	...	Himself
Eric Bogosian	...	Himself
Dick Cavett	...	Himself
Oliver Clark	...	Himself
Bob Claster	...	Himself
Joe Dante	...	Himself
Harlan Ellison	...	Himself
Henry Gibson	...	Himself
Henry Jaglom	...	Himself
Penn Jillette	...	Himself
Robert Morton	...	Himself
Tom Schiller	...	Himself
Mark Shulman	...	Himself
Brother Theodore	...	Himself

Storyline

He is considered to be one of the most significant links in the history of comedy, admired by such people as Eric Bogosian and Woody Allen. His television appearances have spanned from Merv Griffin to Dick Cavett to David Letterman. His long-running Off-Broadway show was hailed as "diabolical genius". He is Brother Theodore. A former millionaire playboy in the late1930's of Germany, Theodore endured the sobering loss of his entire family, his fortune, and his own identity, as a survivor of Dachau concentration camp. Shipped to America humiliated and stunned, Theodore yearned to reclaim his high-status and wealth. Continually haunted by his loss, and hindered as a displaced foreigner, he tapped "the power of despair" to re-invent himself, capitalizing on his dark, existential humor - to become one of America's most respected humorists and monologists.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 September 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

To My Great Chagrin

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Spontaneous Productions

Technical Specs

Color:

Black and White Color

User Reviews

A brilliant film about a brilliant man

This is a brilliant film about a brilliant man, one Theodore Gottleib, also known for a time as "Brother Theodore." Sumerel has accomplished the impossible, in weaving a mesmerizing tale out of not much surviving footage. Even if you'd never heard of Theodore, you'd find it a riveting profile. And if you're fortunate enough to have either seen him perform, or be exposed to his peculiar genius, you'll learn a great deal about his amazing life. This film, now known as "To My Great Chagrin: The Unbelievable Life of Brother Theodore," should be given a much wider audience. In the meantime, do whatever you must to see it. You'll make the acquaintance of a unique individual whom you'll never forget.