Frameline50: Celebrating Laughter: The Life and Films of Colin Higgins

Cybill Shepherd lends her voice as the narrator for this insightful documentary that tells the story of Colin Higgins — the man behind classics like 9 to 5, Harold and Maude, Foul Play, Silver Streak, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Determined to paint a fuller picture of its subject, Nicholas Eliopoulos’ film delves into Higgins’ pre-Hollywood life, which was shaped by early-career starts and stops, the turmoil of the Vietnam War, and the burgeoning gay rights movement.

With wit and warmth, the film’s star-studded cast, including Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, Gene Wilder, Goldie Hawn, and many more, share their memories of one of cinema’s most celebrated comedic talents and reflect on how Higgins’ work and legacy have gone on to influence new generations of filmmakers and writers.