WORDPLAY

Year: 2006
USA: IFC Films
Cast: Will Shortz, Bill Clinton, Jon Stewart, Ken Burns, Mike Mussina, Bob Dole, Indigo Girls, Merl Reagle, Ellen Ripstein, Trip Payne, Tyler Hinman, Jon Delfin, Al Sanders, Judie Berger, Leslie Billig, Leslie Billing, Dr Selmer Bringsjord, Katherine Bryant, Kathrine Bryant, Neal Conan, Stella Daily, Joy Dewing, Brian Dominy, Nancy Ellwood, Nancy Ellwood Fasulo, Vic Fleming, Liane Hansen, Doug Heller, Jim Jenista, Patrick Jordan, Dan Katz, Kiran Kedlaya, Lloyd Mazer, Norma Mindell, Eileen Mogan, Stanley Newman, Daniel Okrent, Fred Piscop, Miriam Raphael, Amy Ray, Amy Reynaldo, Alex Ripitsky, Marc Romano, Mel Rosen, Emily Saliers, Ben Tausig, Byron Walden
Director: Patrick Creadon
Country: USA
USA: 94 mins
USA Rated: PG for some language and mild thematic elements
USA Release Date: 23 June 2006
USA Release Date: 16 June 2006 (Limited Release - New York)


Synopsis

Known to millions as National Public Radio's "Puzzle Master", Will Shortz, The New York Times crossword puzzle editor, reveals his world in this documentary from director and co-writer Patrick Creadon.

New documentary, WORDPLAY, stars Jon Stewart, Bill Clinton, Mike Mussina, Bob Dole, Ken Burns, and the Indigo Girls. This irreverent and humorous film focuses on the man most associated with crossword puzzles, New York Times puzzle editor and NPR puzzle-master Will Shortz.

Director Patrick Creadon introduces us to this passionate hero, and to the inner workings of his brilliant and often hilarious contributors, including syndicated puzzle creator Merl Reagle. In addition to deconstructing this uniquely American institution, WORDPLAY takes us though the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament where almost five hundred competitors battled it out for the title "Crossword Champ" and showed their true colors along the way.

As well as meeting some of his fans from his huge following, discover why over 50 million Americans do crosswords every week.