
Errol Morris’ new doc – about Joanna Harcourt-Smith’s crazy (understatement) relationship with Timothy Leary, and whether or not it was CIA-induced – is really fun. I love her. I reviewed for Ebert.

Errol Morris’ new doc – about Joanna Harcourt-Smith’s crazy (understatement) relationship with Timothy Leary, and whether or not it was CIA-induced – is really fun. I love her. I reviewed for Ebert.
In February of 2015 I was in Santa Fe and happened to come across a event at the Collected Works bookstore there. The author James Penner appeared to speak about his book, Timothy Leary: The Harvard Years. Professor Penner was introduced by Joanna Harcourt-Smith, and between the two of them (and another member of the audience who was at Harvard in the 60s with Leary, Alpert, Weil and Schultes), it was a wild night. I remember thinking that there were several potential movies in these stories.
I’m grateful to Morris that he was able to capture the essence of Joanna before she passed, she made an indelible impression on me that night. I can hardly wait to see the film.
wow, that sounds like such an amazing experience!!
I kind of fell in love with her. You’re right – there are like 10 or more movies in practically every other thing she says. Incredible person.