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The Line King - The Al Hirschfeld Story [DVD]

Lauren Bacall (Actor), Carol Channing (Actor), Susan Warms Dryfoos (Director, Writer) Rated:
Unrated
Format: DVD
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 50 ratings
IMDb7.3/10.0
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June 22, 2004 		—
1
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— $11.70
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The Line King: The Al Hirschfeld Story $2.99 $9.99
Format DVD, NTSC, Color
Contributor Joan Collins, Dolly Haas, Joseph Papp, Al Hirschfeld, Katharine Hepburn, Barbara Walters, Robert Goulet, Jules Feiffer, Carol Channing, Susan Warms Dryfoos, Lauren Bacall, Nina Hirschfeld West See more
Language English
Number Of Discs 1
Runtime 1 hour and 26 minutes

Product Description

The Line King tells the amazing story of Al Hirschfeld, creator of thousands of famous drawings of stars and celebrities for more than sixty years. Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Feature (1996), The Line King celebrates Hirschfeld’s many years of work for The New York Times, where his drawings were a centerpiece of the Sunday Arts section. With appearances by Lauren Bacall, Carol Channing, Joan Collins, Barbara Walters, Robert Goulet, and many others, The Line King is a fascinating portrait of the artist as a cultural icon.

Product details

  • Aspect Ratio ‏ : ‎ 1.33:1
  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ Unrated (Not Rated)
  • Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.1 x 5.42 x 0.58 inches; 4 ounces
  • Director ‏ : ‎ Susan Warms Dryfoos
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ DVD, NTSC, Color
  • Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 26 minutes
  • Release date ‏ : ‎ June 22, 2004
  • Actors ‏ : ‎ Lauren Bacall, Carol Channing, Joan Collins, Jules Feiffer, Robert Goulet
  • Subtitles: ‏ : ‎ English
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
  • Studio ‏ : ‎ Homevision
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00020VZVG
  • Writers ‏ : ‎ Susan Warms Dryfoos
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 50 ratings

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
50 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

runbei
5.0 out of 5 stars A Lovely Doc
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2024
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A swell way to spend an enjoyable couple of hours. I'm licensed to say "swell," I'm 82. That said, what a wonderful account of an artist at work. The thought occurred that it shares something of the spirit of "Bill Cunningham New York," in that both were completely dedicated to their craft, and both were very decent people. I loved what Al said about talent - there are lots of young people with respect-worthy talent, but who among them will do the hard work? It's amazing to me that even in his nineties All worked a full day's schedule.
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Kitty
5.0 out of 5 stars Al Hirschfeld
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2020
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This documentary is an excellent. I wanted to know about the man named Al Hirschfeld. His art pictures of famous people look fascinating. I have heard about his art pictures that were on display on walls of famous restaurant in NYC on TV years ago. I didn't know there is hidden woman's name, "Nina", on his art pictures. Interesting. Just like Walt Disney did the same thing about Mickey Mouse. I wish Al could draw a picture of me if I am a famous.
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k.w.
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Doc
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2022
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It’s a good doc about an icon.
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STUDIOCAT
5.0 out of 5 stars Illustrious Illustrator of Broadway 5
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2009
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A very good documentary on one of the best American 20th century portrait illustrators.

Aside from being an artist, I miss Al's Sunday New York Times weekly theatre illustration, within which were hidden the name of his daughter,
"NINA", and the number of the "NINA's" in the line drawing entered by his signature.

The 5 stars are for all of us who grabbed Section 2 on Sunday morning, (or Saturday night),
and begun reading the Sunday Times by searching for the NINA's. If you first read the headlines, minus perhaps .5 stars, the most.
If you grew up with the "NINA's", you will enjoy this documentary.
An excellent supplement provided is a follow up of the artist several years after this documentary was made.

If you had no idea what a "NINA" was when you first begun reading this review, but have interest in line drawings, illustrations, accomplished illustrators, etc...
I would say it is a recommended 4 star diverting documentary.
One person found this helpful
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Erin McDermott
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved Learning More About Al Hirschfeld
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023
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An interesting documentary. I enjoyed watching it.
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Interlochen Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars It's an incredible documentary!
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022
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This item was delivered not only early, but in perfect condition! I watched it as soon as I got it into my house and was overjoyed! Thank you so much!
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James M. Hunter
5.0 out of 5 stars The Line King
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2010
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Those of you who missed growing up looking at Al Hirschfeld's drawings in the NY Times and counting the 'Nina's missed a lot. He was a superb artist who could capture a performer's likeness and entertain you at the same time. To watch the DVD, The Line King, adds depth to his legend. Not merely an artist, he was a character, a corker, a real piece of work. He makes our current crop of political cartoonists look like also-rans. If you're interested in art or the stage, your library is not complete without one of the books of his drawings. The DVD is frosting on the cake.
2 people found this helpful
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Laurie Outlaw
5.0 out of 5 stars star studded
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2020
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I always loved this man's art. He used to do a lot of TV Guide covers and it was always fun to try and find the Nina. But I was never aware of his lovely watercolors and this movie exposed me to so many more examples of his work.
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