John Fante, a largely unsung writer of the 20th century, is the subject of this documentary. His highly autobiographical novels reveal his deep affection for Los Angeles and his struggles with poverty and prejudice. Born in Denver in 1909, Fante grew up in a working-class Italian-American family plagued by poverty and prejudice. He moved to Los Angeles at 21 and wrote novels like "The Road to Los Angeles", "Dreams from Bunker Hill", and "Ask the Dust", capturing LA's rhythms in prose that inspired writers like Charles Bukowski. Fante's life, marked by bitter resentments, is explored through interviews with those who knew him, including writer/director Robert Towne, publisher John Martin, biographer Stephen Cooper, his wife Joyce, and sons Jim and Dan.
A Sad Flower in the Sand
The protagonist's literary works vividly capture his profound affection for Los Angeles, while also highlighting his unwavering determination to overcome the challenges of poverty and prejudice.
