Where I Stand: The Hank Greenspun Story

Where I Stand is an extremely well done documentary that should get wide distribution. The documentary profiles Hank Greenspun, who took on the mob, Joe McCarthy and the IRS. Greenspun is not well known outside of Las Vegas, but should be. The Director, Scott Goldstein, used archival footage, including some that had been stored out in the Nevada desert, to bring Hank Greenspun to life. Goldstein used Anthony Hopkins to narrate as if Greenspun were still alive, telling the story in the first person. From the opening clicks of the typewriter to the final chapter in the story, I was enthralled. Where I Stand is a winner of a documentary.

Clearly a surprise to find this notorious gun runner was really quite a courageous fighter for justice through the decades....from funding and supplying the emerging state of Israel to facing Joseph McCarthy, to fighting racism, and keeping free speech alive by funding his own news venues, this documentary was enlightening and portrayed a modern day rogue hero who has flown under the radar.....until now. How amazing to think that his legacy still lives in Las Vegas - his son still publishes the Las Vegas Sun, and continues to enlighten the masses with expose journalism worthy of a Pulitzer. This is quite a story on all levels, and reminiscent of the stellar life of fictional Forrest Gump - but with more grit and less schmaltz (sp?)

This well crafted documentary tells the story of Hank Greenspun who seems part Indiana Jones (some remarkable adventures secretly obtaining weapons for Israel) and part Zelig (he had a role in so many issues from the Mafia to McCarthy to Watergate) Greenspun had an amazing impact on the city of Las Vegas and helped advance civil rights, went after Joe McCarthy for the fraud he was, and influenced national politics as well.

The films skillfully blends good graphics with archival footage. Greenspun himself is a compelling and fascinating character. Anthony Hopkins' narration lends a gravitas to this project that adds to its style.

Almost as amazing as Greenspun's influence is the fact that few people today seem fully aware of who is was and what he accomplished. This inviting film biography should set the record straight.

"Where I Stand" is a terrific feature-length documentary about Hank Greenspun, the late editor of the "Las Vegas Sun" newspaper. Through the use of heartfelt narration (Anthony Hopkins), old newsreels/photos, animation and current interviews with family and friends, director Scott Goldstein weaves a compelling tale of mystery and intrigue recounting the life of one of America's unsung 20th century heroes. I had never heard of Mr. Greenspun before and after seeing this film cannot imagine why. Surely a "big screen" version will soon be in the works? It's a story that deserves the widest audience possible. In the meantime, this film is a "must see."

If like me, you knew nothing about Hank Greenspun, you will be amazed at how the events of his life touched every issue of the 20th Century, from Manhattan in the 20's to the beginnings of Las Vegas to the founding of Israel with stops along the way to battle Joseph McCarthy,break the racial barriers in Vegas, become a central figure in Watergate and protest nuclear testing in the desert. Greenspun didn't just touch history, he made history. His commitment and it's cost to his personal life are well told. This documentary brings the story to vivid life by managing to round up an incredible variety of famous--and lesser known--people who knew him well, and in some cases, had their lives changed by him. The cinematic quality and great production values bring the story to life in a way that few documentaries I've ever seen have. Highly recommended viewing.