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Eternally sardonic and effortlessly deadpan, Charles Grodin carved out a singular place in American entertainment. This vibrant documentary celebrates the actor-comedian and broadcast personality whose understated brilliance lit up Elaine May’s The Heartbreak Kid, Martin Brest’s Midnight Run alongside Robert De Niro, and countless mischievously funny late-night TV appearances with Johnny Carson and David Letterman.
Yet Grodin’s legacy extends far beyond his iconic performances. In later years, he turned his sharp intellect and moral conviction toward activism, using his CNBC talk show to champion prison reform and other pressing social issues. Featuring a treasure trove of film and television clips alongside candid interviews and heartfelt reflections from Robert De Niro, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Steve Martin, and Alan Arkin, this rich portrait captures a consummate performer who blended humor with humanity—leaving an indelible mark on comedy, culture, and conscience.
- Year2025
- Runtime92 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- PremiereFlorida Premiere
- DirectorJames L. Freedman
- ScreenwriterJames L. Freedman
- CastRobert De Niro, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Steve Martin, Alan Arkin, Elaine May
- CinematographerWes Dorman, Justin Ott
- EditorFrank Laughlin
If you would like to donate to support our efforts, you can do so by clicking here. You can also experience all the films streaming in the Festival's virtual program by purchasing an All-Access Virtual Pass by clicking here.
Eternally sardonic and effortlessly deadpan, Charles Grodin carved out a singular place in American entertainment. This vibrant documentary celebrates the actor-comedian and broadcast personality whose understated brilliance lit up Elaine May’s The Heartbreak Kid, Martin Brest’s Midnight Run alongside Robert De Niro, and countless mischievously funny late-night TV appearances with Johnny Carson and David Letterman.
Yet Grodin’s legacy extends far beyond his iconic performances. In later years, he turned his sharp intellect and moral conviction toward activism, using his CNBC talk show to champion prison reform and other pressing social issues. Featuring a treasure trove of film and television clips alongside candid interviews and heartfelt reflections from Robert De Niro, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Steve Martin, and Alan Arkin, this rich portrait captures a consummate performer who blended humor with humanity—leaving an indelible mark on comedy, culture, and conscience.
- Year2025
- Runtime92 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryUnited States
- PremiereFlorida Premiere
- DirectorJames L. Freedman
- ScreenwriterJames L. Freedman
- CastRobert De Niro, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Steve Martin, Alan Arkin, Elaine May
- CinematographerWes Dorman, Justin Ott
- EditorFrank Laughlin



