Love, Gilda

Not always the prettiest or the sexiest, Gilda Radner (1946–89) was always the funniest, using comedy to take control of any situation. Director D'Apolito employs Radner's own words and writings, literally from her journals, to tell her story. Those who read Radner's brilliant 1989 best seller, It's Always Something, will recognize the honesty here. Through home movies, personal narration, interviews with friends and family and those influenced by her comedy, Radner's secrets, dreams, and aspirations unfold. The pain is there: struggles with weight, depression, and emotional uncertainties, as well as her joy in finding acceptance through performing. Her star rose early and bright, from Godspell, Second City, and the first hire on the revolutionary Saturday Night Live to Broadway and Hollywood. Radner died after a very public battle with cancer. Value-added special features include interviews with Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, and Laraine Newman, among others.