The 1968 film The Legend of Lylah Clare will be screening at the Maine International Film Festival. The presentation on July 12th will represent more than a revival; it will unveil a director’s true intentions behind the film.

The premiere will discuss with actor Michael Murphy and Mike Kaplan (former MGM publicity director who defended the film director). Kaplan remembers loving the script and the film. Although Kaplan was a fan from the start, MGM’s marketing team had other ideas for the film, which Kaplan disapproved of. He stated, “It was Kim Novak sucking her thumb, basically. Advertising and publicity were two different things.”

The West Coast had an unfortunate premiere, but Kaplan created a gossip column handout. However, that approach had little payoff.

Robert Hawkins reviewed the film, and he agreed with Kaplan. At the San Sebastián premiere, Hawkins said, “caustically cutting film set in Hollywood.” Hawkins predicted that the movie would be a film people loved. However, it was not. After the movie’s little success, the director decided to move on from it. Kaplan stated that back then, “you’re only as good as your recent hit, so they didn’t acknowledge their films that failed the same way.” Although others abandoned the film, Kaplan kept the flame alive for decades.

Kaplan shares credit with Ken Eisen, a MIFF artistic director who knew the film deserved better. As well as Murphy, who knew the film deserved better. So, bringing the film back to the public for one night has inspired Kaplan to reveal an old poster campaign back when the film was originally released. Kaplan hopes a new generation will appreciate the movie and that their efforts will get more exposure.