"The Battle For AmFar"

[+ WilliamM]

http://www.amfar.org/uploadedImages/_amfar.org/About_amfAR/Bios/medalofhonor.jpg http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/2nd+Annual+amfAR+Inspiration+Gala+New+York+nkYTbtujEy8l.jpg

 

HBO has been showing documentaries this week in support of gay pride. I remember seeing HBO's "The Battle for AmFar" often in years past. The "new" version cuts the documentary significantly. AmFar was one of the few place were grants were offered for very important HIV/AIDS research. AmFar is probably most famous for Elizabeth Taylor's great help and participation. But, Mathilde Krim, research scientist, deserves a huge amount of credit as well. She is the main person in the documentary. Nearing age 90, Krim is still fighting HIV.

 

Mrs. Krim's husband, Arthur Krim, was the head of United Artists. Together, the Krims had important connections in the Democratic Party, especially with John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. After her husband died, Mathilde kept and widened those connections and put them to good use.

 

The new version of the documentary leaves out the political side of Mathilde Krim, including LBJ's infatuation with her. One would think the money for AmFar just fell from the sky without mention of the Krims planning and skillful use of friends for an excellent cause.

 

Mrs. Krim surprisingly has more charisma in the documentary than Elizabeth Taylor.