STAN KANN: THE HAPPIEST MAN IN THE WORLD

Stan Kann was discovered by Phyllis Diller in his hometown of St. Louis. She took him to Los Angeles, where he appeared as the Guru of Gadgets on THE TONIGHT SHOW with Johnny Carson a record 77 times. His claims to fame: antique vacuum cleaner collector (135!), silent film organist and all-around likable guy. He went on to appear on HEE HAW and shows hosted by Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and Dinah Shore, and dozens more, before starring in his own comedy variety show in 1979.

Beyond all the gadgets, however, Kann was first and foremost a serious and dedicated theater organist. As he gained recognition through television, he was often invited to play organ gigs around the country. His true calling led him to his swan song Hollywood gig as house organist for the only remaining silent movie theatre in the US before he packed it all up to return to St. Louis, where he continues to perform.

Throughout the movie, as Kann talks about his life, filmmaker Mike Steinberg takes us back in time, via vintage film footage, to celebrate the original glory days of the Hoover and the golden age of television. Interviews with Kann's friends and colleagues offer a candid insight into what makes him a wonderful friend and artist. After 67 minutes with Stan, one thing is certain--they really don't make them like they used to.

Mary Kerr

Mike Steinberg's recent credits include the feature film AMATEUR HOUR, which Steinberg co-produced, wrote and directed, and THIS MEANS SOMETHING, a 45 minute film about the meaning of life. Currently he is the Director of the Webster Film Series, an internationally recognized, year-round film series which showcases the best in foreign, experimental, classic and American independent cinema. Steinberg lives in curious and quiet suburban Saint Louis, where he and his stunning wife Lulu sit often in goggle-eyed fascination of their wildly precocious daughter Ella. Steinberg used to want to be famous. Some people never learn.

Print Source:
Mike Steinberg
470 East Lockwood
St. Louis, MO 63119
Tel: 314 968.7487
Email: steinberg@webster.edu

PRECEDED BY...IRENE WILLIAMS: QUEEN OF LINCOLN ROAD
Eric Smith
USA, 2005, 23 minutes

In South Beach, Miami, a gay man strikes up an unlikely friendship with an eccentric elderly woman who has an inventive sense of style.

Print Source:
Eric Smith, World Love Productions
4421 20th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
Tel: 415-695-8259
Fax: 415-695-7479
Email: irenequeen@sbcglobal.net

Wednesday 6/15 at 9:00 p.m.

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