California Typewriter

Though a bit repetitious/redundant, this is still an extremely important documentary. It makes me wish every home had a good typewriter in it.

When I saw the theatrical premiere in NYC November, 2016, I was enchanted by the richness of the "typewriter culture," the beauty of the film itself, the fascinating interviews, the value of having a typewriter as a way to communicate in letter writing, screen writing, books and songwriting, the many benefits of doing so, and on and on. The dedicated people like Ken Alexander who've made the care and repair of typewriters an art are so inspiring. I visited the shop and had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Ken. Doug Nichols has chronicled the typewriter culture with beauty, heart and reverence. Buy this film... it's endlessly fascinating and I'm so happy to have my own copy now.

This is s fun look at a bygone era. If Mr. Hanks is reading, my daughter would love one of your machines! And, she will use it!!

This movie is a wonderfuly paced look at culture, history, the creative process and oh yeah...the typewriter.

Everything about this is great! Perfect reminder that digital, quicker and easier does not mean better. Craftsmanship, quality, and the act of making are the important parts. We all need places like California Typewriter.

"California Typewriter" is entertaining, smart and fun. And along the way you get to spend time with people you might know and respect: actor Tom Hanks, musician John Mayer, the late great playwright and actor Sam Shepard, prolific writer David McCullough and other nice surprises. Personally I thought the segements with John Mayer resonated the most, maybe just because he's closer to my age. Then again the first bit with Sam Shepard is just perfect. I have an old army green Olympia typewriter and every time I use it the feeling is like being at the top of a snowboard run that's really outside your comfort zone and that precise moment when you think: okay, the only way out is through and you drop off the edge into the snow. That's using a typewriter. It's not perfect, except when it is.

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