I attended a special screening of Coroner to the Stars at Festival Theaters in Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley’s new home for independent, arthouse and community-driven cinema. The film was followed by a Q&A with director Ben Hethcoat and Festival Theaters General Manager Zack Solomon.

Ben shared that his producer found Dr. Noguchi’s memoir, “Coroner,” on a $1 bargain rack at a book store in Los Angeles. Ben was approached about this story in part because his father was a coroner.

Noguchi was hesitant to participate in the documentary and this was not the first time he had been approached. He had been burned by the press and did not want another “gotcha” story. Ben had to earn his trust.

What began as a film about Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Robert Kennedy and Hollywood history became a portrait of Dr. Noguchi himself. A man living at the intersection of science, celebrity and politics.

Ben still visits 99 year old Dr. Noguchi every week. They eat Japanese curry. They talk about the film.

After watching an early cut, Noguchi told Ben:

“I hope people will watch this film and see that I have dedicated my life to forensics.”

Zack Solomon, GM of Festival Theaters, conducting Q & A with Director Ben Heathcoat

A version of the film has been acquired in the Czech Republic. When it will become more widely available in the United States is still TBD. If you have the chance to see it, I highly recommend it.

Until next time,

Vashi Nedomansky, ACE