Dear Mr Brody

In January 1970, Michael Brody Jr., the 21-year-old heir to a margarine fortune, announced to the world that he would give away his $25-million inheritance to anyone in need. Brody and his young wife Renee became instant celebrities: mobbed by the public, scrutinised by the press, and overwhelmed by the crush of personal letters responding to this extraordinary offer. Fifty years later, an enormous cache of these letters are discovered – revealing the incredible story of Michael Brody Jr. – and the countless struggling Americans who sought his help – to create a deeply moving meditation on desire, philanthropy, and love.

‘When I became aware of the story, I knew that it was not only a great, interesting, dynamic story that hadn’t been told, but that some talented storytellers already recognized it as such. They were trying to tell it but weren’t able to – that in itself was intriguing to me. The Brody story immediately reminded me of Hollywood movies that I’ve seen; it’s like a psychedelic Brewster’s Millions or Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, or The Magic Christian. There’s a variety of movies that have been made that focus on this one charismatic figure giving away free money: a kind of Pied Piper leading people through the streets with the promise of prosperity or health, or wealth.’

Keith Maitland, Director