Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story (2017)

Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story Poster

Working largely uncredited in the Hollywood system, storyboard artist Harold and film researcher Lillian left an indelible mark on classics by Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Mel Brooks, Stanley Kubrick, Roman Polanski and many more.

Overview
"Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story" is a captivating documentary that presents the enduring love story of Harold and Lillian Michelson, a skilled and respected couple who left an enduring imprint on Hollywood's film industry. Directed by Daniel Raim and launched in 2017, the movie reveals the behind-the-scenes contributions the couple made to some of the most iconic Hollywood motion pictures while highlighting their stunning, six-decade-long love. Although they were not home names, their work continues to affect Hollywood.

Harold and Lillian's Professional Contributions
Harold Michelson was a lauded storyboard artist and art director, while Lillian Michelson was an influential film scientist. Harold's fascinating drawings and Lillian's exhaustive research substantially formed a few of the best-known films of the 20th century, consisting of "The Graduate", "The Birds", "Fiddler on the Roof", and "Star Trek". The documentary uses interviews, movie clips, and Harold's initial storyboards to demonstrate the effect the couple had on Hollywood despite not getting significant public recognition during their careers.

The Love Story
While the documentary shines a light on the couple's expert journeys, the heart of the movie is the tender romance in between Harold and Lillian. Deaf considering that youth and having withstood a rough upbringing, Harold found solace and connection in his relationship with Lillian, a Holocaust survivor. Personal house videos and love letters include depth, illustrating the strong bond and shared affection that made their love endure through the years. They emerged strong and helpful, treasuring every minute together regardless of life's difficulties.

Unsung Heroes of Hollywood
Throughout the documentary, Raim goes beyond the glamour and shine of Hollywood to reveal Harold and Lillian as two powerful and unsung heroes working behind the scenes. Reviews and anecdotes from noteworthy filmmakers such as Danny DeVito, Francis Ford Coppola, and Mel Brooks offer insights into their significant reverence and adoration for the couple's professionalism, skill, and commitment.

Conclusion
"Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story" is an affectionate homage to the Michelsons, representing their professional contributions to Hollywood and their intimate, long-lasting love story. It depicts them as inspiring figures, underscoring the value and impact of their behind-the-scenes work in the movie market, albeit unrecognized by the larger public. Their story is a testament to the power of love, strength, and the hidden heroes of Hollywood. The documentary represents a concealed piece of Hollywood history and an extraordinary, real-life love story that unfolded behind it.

Top Cast

  • Lillian Michelson
    Herself
  • Danny DeVito (small)
    Danny DeVito
    Himself
  • Francis Ford Coppola (small)
    Francis Ford Coppola
    Himself
  • Mel Brooks (small)
    Mel Brooks
    Himself
  • Anahid Nazarian
    Herself
  • Bill Krohn
    Himself
  • Gabriel Hardman
    Himself
  • Gene Allen
    Himself
  • James D. Bissell (small)
    James D. Bissell
    Himself
  • Marc Wanamaker
    Himself
  • Norman Newberry
    Himself