Return Engagement (1983 film)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Barbara Leary
Carolyn Pfeiffer
G. Gordon Liddy
| Return Engagement | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Alan Rudolph |
| Produced by | David Blocker Barbara Leary Carolyn Pfeiffer |
| Starring | Timothy Leary G. Gordon Liddy |
| Cinematography | Jan Kiesser |
| Edited by | Tom Walls |
| Music by | Adrian Belew |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Island Alive |
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $250,000[1] |
Return Engagement is a 1983 American documentary film about the debate tour between Timothy Leary and G. Gordon Liddy. It was directed by Alan Rudolph.[2] Rudolph called it "a strangely satisfying experience" admitting he did not know if the movie "qualifies as a true documentary"but felt "it’s a candid impression of two quasi-players, one supporting and one bit part, in the tragicomedy that passes as modern American history."[3]
A debate between Timothy Leary and G. Gordon Liddy.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Carole Hemingway | Moderator |
| Timothy Leary | Himself |
| G. Gordon Liddy | Himself |
| Clara Sturak | Herself (uncredited) |
Production
An Austin bookstore owner had brought together Gordon Liddy and Timothy Leary for a debate, following individual lectures by the two men at the University of Texas campus. The debate was a success leading to the duo being invited to repeat it in other cities. Producer Carolyn Pfeiffer knew Timothy Leary and suggested the show might make an interesting documentary. She had formed a company, Island Alive, with Chris Blackwell and Shep Gordon. Alan Rudolph, who made two films for Pfeiffer, agreed to direct. He said "My role was one of creative observer and my objective was to supply Island Alive with something upon which to build."[3]
According to Rudolph,"It took a few days to film and a long time to edit and nothing was written other than necessary information. The interviewers asked their own questions. My conversations with Timothy Leary and Gordon Liddy were perfunctory, never about content, or performance."[3]
