Casting By

Who's your favorite movie maker? Lynn Stalmaster? Marion Dougherty? Or Juliet Taylor? If you've never heard these names, it's because they belong to casting directors, the unsung heroes of Hollywood. CASTING BY is a fascinating look behind the scenes at the accomplishments of the (mostly) women who work closely with directors to find the perfect actors for the parts. Personalities such as Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro, and Woody Allen talk about the vital role “master casters” play in the shaping of the creative vision. But CASTING BY is really a valentine to Marion Dougherty, the doyenne of “CD's,” who began cajoling directors into accepting unknown faces in New York in the 1950s for the Kraft Television Theatre. Marion's gut instinct and impressive Rolodex led her to help shape many of the industry's finest films for over 50 years. Jon Voigt, Jeff Bridges, Robert Redford, Clint Eastwood, Glenn Close, and John Lithgow are among the fans who declare their gratitude to the keen-eyed lady who once saw something in them no one else could see. – B.B.