Where I Stand: The Hank Greenspun Story (2008) User Reviews

Documentary about an amazing journalist

[andrewteton · 9/10 · 21 April 2009]

This well crafted documentary tells the story of Hank Greenspun who seems part Indiana Jones (some remarkable adventures secretly obtaining weapons for Israel) and part Zelig (he had a role in so many issues from the Mafia to McCarthy to Watergate) Greenspun had an amazing impact on the city of Las Vegas and helped advance civil rights, went after Joe McCarthy for the fraud he was, and influenced national politics as well.

The films skillfully blends good graphics with archival footage. Greenspun himself is a compelling and fascinating character. Anthony Hopkins' narration lends a gravitas to this project that adds to its style.

Almost as amazing as Greenspun's influence is the fact that few people today seem fully aware of who is was and what he accomplished. This inviting film biography should set the record straight.

Hank Greenspun is the new Jewish Forrest Gump

[jjmdmoms · 9/10 · 27 April 2009]

Clearly a surprise to find this notorious gun runner was really quite a courageous fighter for justice through the decades....from funding and supplying the emerging state of Israel to facing Joseph McCarthy, to fighting racism, and keeping free speech alive by funding his own news venues, this documentary was enlightening and portrayed a modern day rogue hero who has flown under the radar.....until now. How amazing to think that his legacy still lives in Las Vegas - his son still publishes the Las Vegas Sun, and continues to enlighten the masses with expose journalism worthy of a Pulitzer. This is quite a story on all levels, and reminiscent of the stellar life of fictional Forrest Gump - but with more grit and less schmaltz (sp?)

An astounding tapestry of an astounding life

[swordanpen · 9/10 · 28 April 2009]

Hank Goldspun was a courageous and benevolent rogue. He was a man anchored with the uncommon drive that most of us only read about or see in, well, the movies.

Where I Stand: The Hank Greenspun Story is inspired by Greenspun's autobiography. This film is an impressive, artistic weave of Mr. Goldspun's world -- an insightful collage of live footage, photographs, interviews, and Anthony Hopkin's narration. This work is smoothly sequenced, quick-paced, and an historically enticing delight. It is not at all the typical maudlin biography/documentary of an astounding life lived, but, instead, an astounding tapestry of that astounding life.

Excellent

[DrLanceJackson · 10/10 · 28 April 2009]

Well told story about an amazing human being. I wish there were more people like this man. A person who cared for what was right in this world. He fought corruption head on. I can not believe that Hank Greespun is not a household name. At one point, i felt like i was watching Forrest Gump. This man did so many spectacular things in life. The film was so well done. Even though it was a documentary, it never felt like it. Scott Goldstein did an amazing job of telling the story of this amazing man. The film quality was superb, excellent effects, the music score was emotional and the editing was spectacular. A heart warming, informative film that everyone should see. Must See.

Amazing man...amazing documentary

[CMitchellHoffman · 10/10 · 28 April 2009]

If like me, you knew nothing about Hank Greenspun, you will be amazed at how the events of his life touched every issue of the 20th Century, from Manhattan in the 20's to the beginnings of Las Vegas to the founding of Israel with stops along the way to battle Joseph McCarthy,break the racial barriers in Vegas, become a central figure in Watergate and protest nuclear testing in the desert. Greenspun didn't just touch history, he made history. His commitment and it's cost to his personal life are well told. This documentary brings the story to vivid life by managing to round up an incredible variety of famous--and lesser known--people who knew him well, and in some cases, had their lives changed by him. The cinematic quality and great production values bring the story to life in a way that few documentaries I've ever seen have. Highly recommended viewing.

Terrific documentary...

[Robert Seaman · 10/10 · 3 May 2009]

"Where I Stand" is a terrific feature-length documentary about Hank Greenspun, the late editor of the "Las Vegas Sun" newspaper. Through the use of heartfelt narration (Anthony Hopkins), old newsreels/photos, animation and current interviews with family and friends, director Scott Goldstein weaves a compelling tale of mystery and intrigue recounting the life of one of America's unsung 20th century heroes. I had never heard of Mr. Greenspun before and after seeing this film cannot imagine why. Surely a "big screen" version will soon be in the works? It's a story that deserves the widest audience possible. In the meantime, this film is a "must see."

This is a must see for anyone who believes in truth and justice

[antbethf · 9/10 · 19 April 2010]

This was an amazing portrayal of a man who is was unknown to me until I viewed this film. I learned what it takes to be a hero in the country and to be an unsung one. This is about a man who was able to stand up for his beliefs, without fear of consequences. The world needs more people like him...see this movie. I was lucky enough to hear the director discuss how the movie came about and the difficulty he is having in finding a distributor for it. If I let my paranoia in I might wonder if powerful people might be put off by the morality of this man and his family. Please advocate for this to me seen in schools, synagogues and journalism schools.

A great documentary of one man who made a difference

[Bruce767 · 10/10 · 14 March 2010]

Where I Stand is an extremely well done documentary that should get wide distribution. The documentary profiles Hank Greenspun, who took on the mob, Joe McCarthy and the IRS. Greenspun is not well known outside of Las Vegas, but should be. The Director, Scott Goldstein, used archival footage, including some that had been stored out in the Nevada desert, to bring Hank Greenspun to life. Goldstein used Anthony Hopkins to narrate as if Greenspun were still alive, telling the story in the first person. From the opening clicks of the typewriter to the final chapter in the story, I was enthralled. Where I Stand is a winner of a documentary.

Hero Among Heroes. Bravo!

[bretthrubin · 10/10 · 16 February 2010]

What a fantastic film. Wonderfully told, I am grateful to have been introduced to a hero among heroes in Hank Greenspun at this evening's Denver Film Fest.

Relevant to those of all ages, I highly recommend this film to fans of documentaries and those interested in inspirational stories of courage, facing fear and confronting injustice.

A defender of what is right in this world (from fighting racism to coming to the defense of those unable to defend themselves), Hank is someone not to be forgotten . I hope this film gets picked up and widely distributed. Bravo!

A hidden treasure

[emailscottnow · 10/10 · 16 December 2022]

This is an important story of a largely unknown hero. The story is told with perspective and heart that fairly and factually honors Hank, but also stirs self reflection on what each of us believe in and are committed to... and how we engage with those things in our own lives.

The film artfully moves with a pace that facilitates thinking deeply about the story long after the documentary ends. A work that fully tells a story and yet leaves the viewer not ready to have it end ... is rare.

This is a story that needed to be told. It gives clues of where to pay attention to the other remarkable stories happening around us.

This film needs distribution

[wmcgu0808 · 10/10 · 21 April 2010]

I saw this film last night as the season grand finale of our film society, and it was worth the wait...but wait! At the end of the show we found out that the film does not have a distribution deal. After seeing this amazing, historically important, inspirational story (read the other reviews), imagine wanting to take your friends, parents, and children to this gem of a film only to be thwarted. I suggest we fight, just like Hank Greenspun, and get this film shown in theaters. Hank taught us the power of the word, so use letters to papers, reviews on websites, and lots and lots of words. See the film as soon as possible yourself, and if you can't, join in and agitate until it is available to you and anyone else who wants to see it in wide release.

I recommend the film to anyone who is interested in a broad range of topics, from early Israel, to Las Vegas, to Watergate, to Howard Hughes, to nuclear waste and storage in Nevada, to fighting for justice.

The Hank Greenspun Story is the real American story

[nurit_g · 10/10 · 1 November 2009]

I did not know there was such a hero named Hank Greenspun.v I did not know that in a way Las Vegas is Hank Greenspun and Hank Greenspun is Las Vegas. What an astonishing history of a man who considered himself to be just "ordinary" and was nothing but ordinary. In fact Hank Greenspun is America, the America that much of it has been lost of forgotten and must be recovered and practiced. It appears that Hank Greenspun fought for all that was right and defeated much of what was wrong in our country and the world. He was one of those heroes who made it possible for the State of Israel TO BE! Hank Greenspun story needs to be told to the young generation of our country that has lost all the values that have made this country the greatest country on earth, the same values that made Hank Greenspun the man of stature he was and the fighter to preserve these values. We need to have 200Million like Hank Greenspun to get the American Nation and the county back on track. Hank Greenspun would have made a terrific United States President! Sorry we have lost him way too early in his life. Nowadays we could use Hank Greenspun and like him leading us through the turmoil of corruption we are in and fight the evil that runs our country from the Ivory Tower of Capitol Hill and the White House. The film, though documentary, is simply great and so well done, not a dull moment. Scott Goldstein did a superb job of telling the story of this truly amazing man. Anthony Hopkins voice is also superb. The film quality and editing outstanding; music score emotional; all in all spectacular movie. A heart felt, most informative film that everyone Must See. The Hank Greenspun story that should be told to every American!

Great Documentary!

[dianawright-1 · 10/10 · 28 May 2009]

I thought this was one of the more thought provoking documentaries I have seen in a long time. Anthony Hopkins' voice was perfect for the narrator, and the film had a balance of humor with seriousness that made it a pleasure to watch. The camera angles were interesting, and contributed to the ambiance of the entire film. I commend all involved for making Mr. Greenspun's story available. What an amazing life he led! I am puzzled as to why he hasn't been more prominently acknowledged in Las Vegas and elsewhere. There must be a story behind that. I think his family members added a lot to the film as well. Go see it, and tell others to as well!

A righteous man

[leiser18 · 10/10 · 25 October 2010]

"Where I stand - The Hank Greenspun Story" is an amazing documentary about a man that hardly anybody knows about. Even the writer/director Scott Goldstein admitted that he had never heard of Hank before he started the research for his movie. I saw this film at the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival with Mr. Goldstein present. Everyone in the audience was mesmerized. It's an incredible story of an incredible man who fought for justice all his life. Hank Greenspun has done more for this country than anyone can imagine. It is an absolute MUST-SEE movie, an eye opener to say the least. I hope this film will get distribution, since (as Scott Goldstein explained) it has only been shown at film festivals. If you have the chance to see it, don't miss it!!!

A Wonderful Documentary

[sharonrgross · 10/10 · 1 November 2009]

As Hank Greenspun's son reported, When High School students saw this film, their main comment was that they hadn't realized how much of a difference one person could make until they saw this documentary. If it weren't for the fact that this man was actually involved in so many historical events, it would seem absolutely unbelievable. As my Grandmother used to say, "Truth is stranger than fiction." Scott Goldstein, the producer, writer, and director, did a fabulous job. I loved his use of 3D creations from old black and white photos. I also liked his use of an old typewriter to tell the tale. Although it's a documentary, it flows more like a good story. An amazing story of an amazing life.

Fantastic story about a real life Forest Gump

[lenrosenthal · 10/10 · 23 February 2023]

This was a well-written, very compelling documentary about Hank Greenspun. He was a very influential and action-oriented man who directly or indirectly improved the lives of millions of people both here in the US and in the middle east. I view Hank Greenspun as a real-life version of Forest Gump as he was involved in so many diffrent aspects of our modern history. Producer and writer Scott Goldstein did an amazing job of capturing his essence and telling the unique story of Hank's life. I wish this film was more broadly available to the public or available on some streaming service. Well worth seeing if you can.

Mesmerizing Film As Much a Feature As A Documentary

[pop1280-2 · 10/10 · 19 May 2009]

Just saw the film at a Festival in Los Angeles. This movie is MIND BLOWING.

It's about a crusading newspaper publisher named Hank Greenspun. Hit men tried to kill him, he was a gun runner, a crime fighter, a civil rights hero. He threatened the lives of people who reneged on their promises to take part in his underground work. He fought Sen. McCarthy and he even was targeted by the Watergate burglars. And that's only in the first part of the movie!

I kept think this should be a big action movie with George Clooney.

You've got to see this film. It's a combination of a popcorn adventure yarn and a dynamic telling of undisclosed history.

WOW 10 points.

Where I

[Ichr932289 · 10/10 · 2 November 2009]

An amazing individual who never sought the limelight so much as he wanted to do the 'right thing'. I read about Hank Greenspun over forty years ago as one of the ten most influential Jews in North America chosen by David Ben Gurion to help obtain military gear for Israel to defend itself against Arab nations. Ben Gurion was not particularly interested in the wealthiest Jews but influential ones. Movers and shaker of which Greenspun certainly fit the description. His amazing exploits and his deep belief in "doing the right thing" was illustrated beautifully by this documentary. Mr. Goldstein, an experienced documentary film maker, once again demonstrates his skill in the most dynamic ways. His use of the typewriter and 3 dimensional photographs made this film so special and real. I felt as though I was right there with Hank. Like he was my friend as we traveled to various places. He was and still is an amazing person. Hopefully there will be others to come.