Does privacy last

for stars of the past?

Scandals must be told

for books to be sold.

Morality falls

when the big deal calls.

And such is the tale:

Memories for Sale.

Poor Charlie O’Neal! After working diligently for four years on a biography of famous comedian Sid Freeman, his agent tells him the book needs to include the facts concerning a longtime rumor about his wife and deceased partner Sam. And worse, if Charlie can’t get Sid to dish the dirt regarding that situation, the book deal goes kaput. What should Charlie do? Memories for Sale makes us care deeply about that decision as well as what happens to the characters involved.          

It’s such a pleasure to watch a short film with high quality production values, a compelling story, and excellent performances. Memories for Sale, deftly directed by Christian de Rezendes (Cat Scratch) from a timely screenplay by Jerry Bisantz (which he adapted from his own play), boasts all of the above. It takes place entirely in literary agent Bruce Halpern’s (played by Bisantz) office, where Bruce has arranged an impromptu meeting between Charlie (David Sullivan) and Sid (Bob Colonna). Bruce has persuaded the reluctant Charlie to question Sid about the past scandal, explaining that if Sid reveals what really happened, the tabloids will be interested, thereby assuring the success of his biography. Sid’s granddaughter (Melissa Penick) brings him to the meeting, and that’s when fascinating, surprising -- and sometimes amusing -- things start happening.

While watching the conversation between Charlie and Sid, I felt like I was in the room with them. Both actors do a terrific job projecting the affection and trust they’ve built up by working together on Sid’s biography. Sullivan, in particular, impressed me with his touching portrayal of a man who wants to do the right thing despite the pressure he faces. Colonna (The Last Shot) seems perfectly cast as a former giant of TV’s Golden Age. To me, he comes across as an over-the-hill combination of Milton Berle and Sid Caesar, two of my favorites from days of yore.               

Memories for Sale ends up being one of the best short films I’ve ever seen. And it takes only 25 minutes to unfold a thought-provoking story about trust, betrayal, morality and privacy. I’m not surprised this wonderful movie earned the Audience Award as Best Short Film at the 2013 Sene Music and Arts Festival and became a finalist in the 2013 Moondance International Film Festival.          

(Released by Breaking Branches Pictures; not rated by MPAA.)

For more information about Memories for Sale, please go to the film’s official website by clicking the link below.

http://www.memoriesforsalefilm.com/