In late March, Robert Risko told me about an old documentary short film about Bette Midler that was posted on social media. Astonishingly, it included a short interview with Richard Amsel.   The film is Bette Midler: Divine Intervention. The Amsel clip is only 30 seconds long, but I was flabbergasted when I saw it. Amsel briefly shares his experience in meeting Midler through Barry Manilow at the Continental Baths, and comments on how her stage persona was akin to the Hollywo

I've regularly credited filmmaker Kevin Burke, and his documentary 24x36, with helping to inspire me in setting out to make a film on...