The Ten-Year Lunch

Watch The Ten-Year Lunch

  • 1987
  • 56 min

The Ten-Year Lunch is a captivating documentary that explores the lives of some of America's most celebrated writers of the early 20th century. In particular, the film delves into the illustrious "Algonquin Round Table", a tight-knit group of literary giants who met regularly at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City during the 1920s and 30s.

Directed by Aviva Slesin, the documentary uses a combination of archival footage, photographs, and interviews with acquaintances and family members of the Round Table members to paint a rich and multi-dimensional portrait of this group of intellectuals.

The Algonquin Round Table was founded by the writer and critic Alexander Woollcott in 1919. It quickly gained notoriety for its witty and scathing discussions of politics, literature, and society. Members of the group included the playwright George S. Kaufman, the editor Harold Ross, the writer and critic Dorothy Parker, and the humorist Robert Benchley, among others.

The Ten-Year Lunch traces the genesis of the Round Table, its most famous activities, and the personalities of its members. It highlights some of their most notable contributions to American literature and culture, as well as their idiosyncrasies and personal lives.

One of the key themes of the film is the power of intellectual community. The Round Table allowed its members to bounce ideas off one another, to criticize and improve each other's work, and to offer support and encouragement during difficult times. The film suggests that this creative camaraderie was a driving force behind the remarkable literary output of this group of writers.

The documentary also provides insight into the broader cultural and political context of the time. The Algonquin Round Table operated during the era of Prohibition, the stock market crash, and the Great Depression. The film touches on how these events influenced the literature and conversations of the Round Table members.

At its core, however, The Ten-Year Lunch is a celebration of literary genius. It pays tribute to the sharp, witty, and insightful writing that came out of the Round Table, showcasing excerpts from some of the most famous works of its members. The film also highlights the human side of these writers, emphasizing their flaws and struggles as much as their triumphs.

Overall, The Ten-Year Lunch is a delightful and informative documentary that sheds light on one of the most fascinating literary groups in American history. It is a tribute to the power of intellectual community, and a reminder of the importance of creative collaboration in the pursuit of excellence.

The Ten-Year Lunch doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services.
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    1987
  • Runtime
    56 min
  • Language
    English
Watch all of
Do you have Hulu?
Ad Info - This movie may not be available on Hulu
No thanks, I'm not interested in Hulu