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MICHAEL SMERCONISH: THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED TALKING

CHRIS STRAND | USA | English | 2020 | 91 MIN

Recorded at the historic Bucks County Playhouse, this one-man performance captures radio host Michael Smerconish’s very personal take on the nation’s partisan divide.

Over the course of his 30-year career, talk radio host Michael Smerconish has amassed an impressive resume and a deep catalogue of fascinating personal anecdotes, having hobnobbed with everyone from Ronald Reagan to Fidel Castro. He’s also a figure who’s uniquely positioned to discuss the polarization of today’s American politics, having gone from being a reliable Republican to being one of the country’s foremost proponents of non-partisan, independent thinking. THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED TALKING brings together the captivating personal arc of Smerconish’s life and his unclassifiable political evolution for a unique one-man performance. Though the outbreak of Covid-19 forced Smerconish to shutter his plans for a nationwide speaking tour, this recording—filmed at the historic Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania—gives viewers front row access. Displaying the storytelling skill he’s honed over his decades working in media, Smerconish offers an accessible, informative, and thought-provoking assessment of the contemporary political landscape that’s especially welcome in this contentious election season.

In Competition: Pinkenson Award


All sales are final. You must be located within the United States to stream this film. We suggest prioritizing your lineup and watching films as close to the premiere time as possible. This title will be available until November 2nd or until streaming capacity is reached.

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