Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession (2004) on Netflix
Z Channel, a Los Angeles pay cable station, began broadcasting in 1974. The documentary tells the story of its programming director, Jerry Harvey, and his eclectic slate of films.
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Trailer
Plot summary
Debuting in 1974, Z Channel became known for the range of its programming: silent and foreign language pictures, documentaries, director's cuts, erotic titles, mainstream releases, and forgotten or under-appreciated work, broadcast uncut and without commercials, letterboxed where possible. The station's programming chief, Jerry Harvey, was a film lover whom the documentary credits with bringing many great films before the public. Clips from the movies the channel carried run through the film, among them imports screened undubbed as part of an effort to introduce American viewers to cinema from other countries. The documentary also includes interviews with directors, actors and other film workers.
Cast
- Vera Carlisle Andersonas Herself (as Vera Anderson)
- Jerry Harveyas Himself (archive footage)
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession (2004)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
SPOILER
Z Channel's programming director Jerry Harvey was almost single-handedly responsible for getting many great films shown to the public; the documentary also traces his constant battle with personal demons, which ended with him killing his wife and himself in a murder-suicide.
