THE CHAIR (1962)

Robert Drew, who died this year, led a company of trailblazers in observational documentary. One of the most striking films from this era is The Chair, which follows the attorney Louis Nizer as he attempts to save the prisoner Paul Crump from the electric chair. Drew was joined by Richard Leacock, Gregory Shuker, DA Pennebaker and others in the making of this suspenseful film that won a special jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival. This screening coincides with DOC NYC’s inaugural Robert and Anne Drew Award for Documentary Excellence.