The Orinda Theatre will be presenting two screenings of the new documentary on the life of actress Bea Arthur next month. The documentary film, entitled, “Bea Arthur—I’ve Done Everything but Porn,” explores the life, career and private character of one of America’s most distinctive performers.

    The documentary is built around a previously unseen interview conducted by Dan Watt, an independent producer and director. Seated at her kitchen table, Arthur reflects on the performances that brought her international recognition as the icon characters of Maude Findlay (“Maude”) and Dorothy Zbornak (“The Golden Girls”).

    The film explores Arthur’s development from her studies at The New School in Manhattan from 1947 to 1949 through her involvement in the evolving off-Broadway theatre scene as well as other early roles. In this film, Arthur reflects on her enduring friendships with actor Angela Lansbury and television producer Norman Lear. 

    “Maude,” produced by Lear, was a comedy that brought difficult social and political subjects into American living rooms during the 1970s. Arthurs’s stage career was equally significant. Opposite her longtime friend Lansbury, Arthur originated the role of Vera Charles in “Mame” and received a Tony Award for her performance before appearing with Lucille Ball in the film adaptation.

    Arthur also used her public position to support causes she valued, including the LGBTQ+ community at a time when relatively few prominent entertainers spoke openly on its behalf. From her early years in Maryland to experimental New York theatre, Broadway, Hollywood and cabaret, the documentary presents a fuller account of the woman behind the familiar voice and famously deadpan delivery.

    Interviews with colleagues and close friends provide additional context.

    After a world premiere in Palm Springs in early October, the Bea Arthur documentary will be screened at the Orinda Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1:15 p.m. Independent Producer and Director Dan Watt will be doing a Q&A after both screenings. The film was produced by DancinDan Productions and Daryl Roth Productions.

    For more details about the screenings, go to https://www.orindamovies.com/movies/1000051080-bea-arthur-the-documentary-ive-done-everything-except-porn/.