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You wouldn't normally choose to
live in a town like Death Valley Junction, (pop. 10). Once a
thriving mining town known as "Amargosa," so named for its
bitter waters, this isolated outpost in the middle of Death
Valley generally only attracts visitors by accident. Such was
the case when, in the 1960's, ballet dancer Marta Becket and
her husband Tom broke down there. Before their car could be
fixed, Marta had discovered and fallen in love with a
dilapidated theater. They dropped anchor in the nearly
deserted town and Marta embarked on her life's mission to
restore the old theater and perform there, in the middle of
the most hostile desert in America. After director Todd
Robinson's sister stumbled onto Ms. Becket while passing
through Death Valley Junction, Robinson turned her unusual and
inspirational story into this equally inspiring tale of
persistence, individuality, and following one's
dreams.
Now seventy six years-old and still dancing, Marta recounts
the trying path that led her to Death Valley Junction; her
unsupportive, yet opportunistic parents, her mundane New York
dancing career, the six years of trials and tribulations she
endured while painting a medieval-themed audience mural on the
walls that was often her only "crowd." Bouncing around from
subject to subject -- now it introduces us to Tom Willgert, a
good-natured local ham who's become Marta's companion, co-star
and comic relief, now it's demonstrating how the town is
haunted, now it's showcasing Marta's involvement in a wild
burro rescue program -- "Amargosa" sometimes feels as solid as
a mirage which might shimmer in the sprawling wastelands on
the outskirts of town. Still, that's okay. Because although
Robinson ostensibly hangs his sweet and gentle film around an
upcoming reunion Marta's holding with her former dancers at
the opera house, which will include a nerve-wracking
performance in front of her long-since retired peers,
"Amargosa" is as much about what Marta represents as it is
about her personally. By following her dream, no matter how
foolhardy it might have seemed, Marta Becket has demonstrated
an unwavering devotion to the arts, creativity and the muse
within. By capturing her story on film, Todd Robinson has
provided us with a source of inspiration that will linger long
after Marta has performed her last pirouette on the stage she
so lovingly created in the desert.
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