DVD Tells the Story of Master Art Forger Elmyr de Hory

The Janson Media DVD Masterpiece or Forgery? The Story of Elmyr de Horywas recommended in a recent review by Video Librarian. The DVD tells the story of Elmyr de Hory, a master forger of such contemporary artists as Matisse and Picasso, whose replicas became so infamous that they later on became highly valuable in their own right. In addition to faking paintings, de Hory often faked his own identity, and traveled easily throughout Europe"s high society leaving behind an intriguing legacy. The review commends the film for being able to unravel the mystery of his life for the viewer in an enjoyable and fulfilling manner..

Art galleries around the world shudder at the mention of Elmyr (El-MEER) de Hory, a roguish old mountebank who managed to turn a major artistic talent into a lucrative larceny. Even before his death in 1976 (and he has more re-incarnations than Elvis!) he was known as a master forger of such contemporary artists as Modigliani, Matisse, and Picasso. So skilled were his forgeries that in later life, they took on a value all their own; it became chic to own a 'de Hory' no matter who had been replicated (he asserted that he never 'copied'). This video looks at the life of de Hory as seen through the eyes of those who knew him best--or thought they did. Interviews with an eclectic group ranging from actress Ursula Andress to author Clifford Irving help to fill in some of the gaps in de Hory's life. De Hory was truly a skilled artist, but when he could not interest people in purchasing his paintings in his own style, he turned to imitating the work of others and became the toast of Continental high society. Masterpiece or Forgery? is a bit frenetic in its leaping from country to country in search of de Hory's story, but overall it is as enjoyable and fulfilling as working through a good Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. Recommended for larger collections. - Video Librarian

This fascinating one-hour documentary, directed by Norwegian filmmaker Knut Jorfald, was shot on location in Europe and America, and includes interviews with such friends of Elmyr"s as author Clifford Irving, actress Ursula Andress, notorious smuggler Anthony Hugo, as well as William Robinson, curator of the Fogg Museum of Art in Boston, and David Breuer of Sotheby"s Auction House in London. Video Librarian is the video review magazine for public, school, academic, and special libraries, as well as video fans who are interested in a wider variety of titles than what"s found in the average video store. Written by staff, librarians, teachers, and film critics, Video Librarian offers over 225 critical reviews per issue, alerting readers to upcoming new releases of special-interest, documentary, and video movie titles.