The Four Seasons of Isadore Sharp 2011
Distributed by Landmark Media Inc., 3450 Slade Run Dr., Falls Church, VA 22042; 800-342-4336
Produced by 90th Parallel Productions, LTD
Directed by Gordon Henderson and Eleisha McNeill
DVD, color, 55 min.
Sr. High – General Adult
Hotels, Management
Date Entered: 11/30/2011
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgThe Four Seasons of Isadore Sharp is part biography, part travelogue, and a whole lot of vanity valentine to the man who founded the luxury chain of hotel/resorts. Born to Polish Jewish immigrants, his first hotel was built in Toronto, later to build to a 3 billion dollar worldwide empire. His attention to detail and business acumen created a new style of total travel oasis. They were self-contained, all inclusive because they were built in less expensive and less desirable (and therefore cheaper) parts of the city. The creators of this film were given close, though surely guarded, access to Sharp and his family history. The insights are generic and none are revealing or even inspiring. There is no denying Isadore Sharps success in his field and brand, but this is standard public relations fare. I can’t imagine any institution willing to pay $225 for The Four Seasons of Isadore Sharp. Not recommended for purchase.