LIBERACE The World of Liberace

In 1976 the pianist, entertainer and one of the biggest stars of the day, published a coffee table book about his collection of homes, jewellery and costumes called The Things I Love. This DVD is nothing more-nor-less than precisely that, as told to the acclaimed film-maker Tony Palmer.

Liberace himself takes us on a guided tour of his Hollywood and Palm Springs homes and his treasured possessions. A celebrated connoisseur of antiques, Liberace tells us about the origins and restoration of his extraordinary collection of crystal chandeliers, rugs, furniture, automobiles, pianos and of course the gold candelabras. He talks about the costumes, jewellery and sense of theatre that earned him in his lifetime the title of ‘Mr Showmanship’.

Within a very few years, Wladziu Valentino Liberace sprang from West Allis, Wisconsin, to become America’s first television matinée idol and one of the most successful nightclub performers of all time. He popularised ‘classical music’ for the general public, and earned the kind of devotion and admiration that became the envy of many, more ‘straight’, performers. But to do this he worked phenomenally hard, was a devoted family man and above all an accomplished pianist.

Palmer’s DVD is testament to a remarkable life, with deeply felt observations about his self-image, marriage, children, the press and religion. “The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys,” he quips. And although Liberace took evident delight in collecting beautiful things, it is clear that it was people and the love they provided that really mattered to him. He was unique, and remains so, and this DVD is a celebration of that fact.

DVD specifications:

Region: 0 (All Regions)

Rating: E (Exempt from Certification)

Picture Format: NTSC (all regions), 16:9 widescreen

Tony Palmer TPDVD164