We're super-excited to announce that the world theatrical premiere for Betty White: The First Lady of Television will be hosted at the Oriental Theatre on Saturday, August 18th. Chronicling the life and career of beloved comedian and entertainment industry pioneer, Betty White, this definitive documentary was directed by Milwaukee resident Steven J. Boettcher, who will be in attendance at the premiere.
Filmed over the course of a decade, Boettcher was granted unprecedented access to White. He captured behind the scenes moments with Betty on-set, interviews with Betty’s castmates, and, more personally, the time she spent with her closest friends and family. A poignant, heartwarming, and celebratory portrait of television’s longest working actress, the film includes interviews with Valerie Bertinelli, Georgia Engel, Tina Fey, Valerie Harper, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Gavin MacLeod, Carl Reiner, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Sullivan, and Alex Trebek.
Best known for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Golden Girls, White was also a pioneer and advocate for women in the still male-dominated industry. She was the first woman to produce a national TV show, the first woman to star in a sitcom, the first producer to hire a female director, and the first woman to receive an Emmy nomination.
"The goal of the film from the beginning was to highlight the universal appeal that is Betty White—to showcase Betty's life in front of and behind the curtain,” said Boettcher.
This world premiere screening is sponsored by Milwaukee PBS and will take place on Saturday, August 18 at 6:15 PM. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit orientaltheatremke.com.
Posted by: Milwaukee Film