And Here's Another Documentary Surprise

They often sneak up on you like thieves in the night.  You expect nothing and then, for ninety minutes, you are held captive by a great documentary.  After it's over, not only have you been entertained but you have learned something in the process.   God bless all the film makers who toil in this genre.

The latest gem is "Bathtubs Over Broadway," which was in theaters for a bit about two months ago but now resides comfortably on Netflix.  This is a film that you cannot stop smiling at as it unfolds.  It is as heartwarming as it is educational.   Once again, I am in school, learning about something I never knew existed.

This movie follows the exploits of Steve Young, who worked for many, many years as a comedy writer for David Letterman's late night fest.  A quiet loner, Steve becomes interested in collecting old record albums.  You know the kind?  The ones you need a needle to play on a phonograph.   But Steve is just not interested in old musical platters.  Nope, he becomes addicted to a very special genre often not found for sale.   

You see, back in the 60s and 70s, companies regularly staged out-and-out musicals for their annual meetings or conventions.   Ironically, the shows were often recorded and offered back to employees as a memento.  Most wind up in record collectors' dust bins.   

Or, as this movie shows, in Steve Young's house.

Steve becomes addicted to the productions that were staged by the likes of Monsanto or McDonald's or Amoco or American Standard, which manufactured sinks and toilets.   He is mesmerized by how good the music and the staging is.   And, ultimately, he starts to seek out some of the individuals behind these productions.

Some, of course, went on to great careers as he discovers in interviews with Martin Short, Chita Rivera, and Florence Henderson.  But, most were performers or artists who never made the move out of "industrial show business."  All of them very talented, just not household names.   Steve starts to track them down.

What results is essentially a cottage industry for Young as his searches lead to a book, lectures, reunions, and the occasional re-staging of a musical number or two.

It's all so sweet and nostalgic as some of the folks are honored that somebody took the time to find them.  Hence, the reason why I defy you not to smile all the way through.

God bless Steve Young for unearthing an area of show business usually forgotten.  And thank goodness for those who put it all on camera for us to enjoy and learn from.

Check it out, please!

LEN'S RATING:  Four stars.

Dinner last night:  Chopped salad with buffalo ranch dressing.