Watch Breslin and Hamill: Deadline Artists

Breslin and Hamill: Deadline Artists is a 2018 documentary film that pays tribute to two of the greatest newspaper columnists in the history of journalism: Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill. The movie explores the remarkable careers of these two New York City writers, who were known for their unique storytelling abilities, their love of their city, and their tireless commitment to exposing the truth.

The documentary features interviews with a number of Breslin and Hamill's colleagues, friends, and family members, including newspaper editors, fellow writers, politicians, and cultural icons. Through these interviews, the film paints a vivid picture of two men who were passionate about their craft, unafraid to speak their minds, and deeply committed to social justice.

The film begins by chronicling the early careers of Breslin and Hamill, as they worked their way up through the ranks of journalism in the 1950s and 1960s. Both men were products of the working-class neighborhoods of New York City, and they drew on this background to infuse their writing with a strong sense of local flavor and authenticity.

As they both gained prominence in the field, Breslin and Hamill began to use their columns as a platform for advocating change. They wrote about the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the struggles of the urban poor, among other issues. Their writing was often controversial, and they frequently found themselves at odds with the political and social establishment.

The film also delves into the personal lives of Breslin and Hamill, painting a picture of two complex men who were both shaped by the city they loved. Breslin was a chain-smoking, hard-drinking Irishman who loved to hold court in the local bar, while Hamill was a Brooklyn-born writer with a strong sense of social justice.

Throughout the film, Breslin and Hamill's voices are brought to life through archival footage, in which they discuss everything from their favorite New York characters to their political beliefs. Their writing is also featured heavily, with excerpts from some of their most famous columns.

Overall, Breslin and Hamill: Deadline Artists is a moving tribute to two of the greatest writers ever to grace the pages of a New York City newspaper. The film is a testament to the power and importance of good journalism, and a reminder of the impact that great writers can have on their communities. Highly recommended for anyone who loves great writing, New York City history, or social justice.

Breslin and Hamill: Deadline Artists is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.