Bob Richman’s inspiring, even awe-inspiring “Ahead of Time” revels in the rich and unlikely life of journalist Ruth Gruber, who among other accomplishments was the world’s youngest PhD at the age of 20 (in 1931), and who became a Zelig of good fortune through the worst times and crimes of the twentieth century. Should a journalist be an activist? Shall a journalist be an activist, her life asks. Recently turned 99, she relates experiences in the Soviet Arctic, her work assisting the transport of American Jews to Israel (which led to her book “Exodus 1947”) and many, many other endeavors (tea with Virginia Woolf; the Nuremberg rallies). Images and footage attest to the wealth of her experience and conviction. 73m. (Ray Pride)
“Ahead Of Time” opens Friday at Landmark Renaissance.
Ray Pride is Newcity’s Senior Editor and Film Critic. He is a contributing editor of Filmmaker magazine.
Ray’s history of Chicago Ghost Signs is planned for publication next year. Previews of the project are on Twitter and on Instagram. More photography on Instagram.
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