Obscene

Release date: 23-Mar-2009

Director:
Cast: Barney Rosset, William S. Burroughs, John Sayles, Lenny Bruce, Erica Jong

Obscene is the definitive film biography of Barney Rosset, the influential publisher of Grove Press and the Evergreen Review. He acquired the then fledgling Grove Press in 1951 and soon embarked on a tumultuous career of publishing and political engagement that continues to inspire today's defenders of free expression.

Not only was he the first American publisher of acclaimed authors Samuel Beckett, Kenzaburo Oe, Tom Stoppard, Che Guevara and Malcolm X, but he also battled the government in the highest courts to overrule the obscenity ban on groundbreaking works of fiction such as Lady Chatterley's Lover, Tropic of Cancer and Naked Lunch. Ultimately he won and altered the course of history, but not without first enduring lawsuits, death-threats, grenade attacks, govenment surveillance and the occupation of his premises by enraged feminists.

Featuring John Sayles, Gore Vidal, John Waters, William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg and Malcolm X and music by Bob Dylan, The Doors, Warren Zevon and Patti Smith.

Certificate: E
Genres: Arthouse Documentary Film

Soundtrack:

Stereo

• Official Site