Watch The Last Impresario

The Last Impresario is a fascinating documentary that tells the story of Michael White, an unsung hero of the entertainment industry. Directed by Gracie Otto, the film is a tribute to this man who has played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Britain. Michael White has been involved in the theater and film industry for over five decades, and during that time he has produced over 200 shows, including some of the most memorable and influential productions of the past half-century. Some of the notable productions that he was involved in included Monty Python's Holy Grail, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Oh! Calcutta!.

The Last Impresario takes us on Michael White's journey from his early days in Glasgow to his arrival in London, where he became a fixture on the city's cultural scene. Along the way, we hear from some of the many people who have worked with him over the years, including John Cleese, Yoko Ono, Kate Moss, and Naomi Watts, who also serves as the film's narrator.

What makes The Last Impresario so compelling is the way it captures Michael White's unique personality and his love of the theater. He comes across as a charming and charismatic figure, someone who loves his job and is passionate about bringing the best possible show to his audiences. At the same time, he is shown to be a somewhat enigmatic character, someone who is not entirely comfortable with the celebrity that his success has brought him.

The film also touches on some of the darker aspects of Michael White's life, including his struggles with addiction and depression. At times, it's clear that these issues have had an impact on his career, but the film never dwells on them too long. Instead, it focuses on Michael White's accomplishments and the enduring legacy of his work.

The Last Impresario is a beautifully crafted film that combines archival footage, interviews, and narration to tell the story of one of the entertainment industry's most interesting figures. Whether you're a fan of the theater or just someone who loves a good story, this film is well worth your time.

One of the most striking things about The Last Impresario is the way it captures the spirit of the 1960s and 70s. Michael White was at the forefront of the cultural revolution that took place during this time, and the film does an excellent job of illustrating the impact that he and his contemporaries had on the cultural landscape.

Throughout the film, we see footage of groundbreaking productions like Hair and Oh! Calcutta!, and we hear from some of the artists who worked on these shows. It's clear that Michael White was a driving force behind many of these productions, and that his vision helped to shape the modern theater as we know it.

At the same time, The Last Impresario is not just a film about the past. It also touches on some of the more recent productions that Michael White has been involved in, including a West End revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This helps to demonstrate that he is still a relevant and important figure in the industry, even as he approaches his seventies.

Overall, The Last Impresario is a beautifully produced film that shines a light on one of the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry. Michael White may not be a household name, but there is no denying the impact that he has had on the theater and film world. This documentary is a fitting tribute to his life and work, and it's well worth checking out for anyone with an interest in the arts.

The Last Impresario is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.