On Sept. 27, moviegoers will get to see what theatregoers have enjoyed for decades: the drawings and caricatures of Al Hirschfeld. On that date, filmmaker Susan W. Dryfoos will premiere her documentary, The Line King - The Al Hirschfeld Story, at New York's City Cinema (on 60th Street and 3rd Avenue), with a Los Angeles opening date to be announced later.

In his years at the New York Times, Al Hirschfeld has interviewed and limned the likenesses of Jason Robards, Colleen Dewhurst, Lauren Bacall and thousands of other theatre luminaries. The movie documents Hirschfeld's life, childhood, influences and impact.

The film will feature interviews with celebrities, insights from Hirschfeld's late wife, Dolly Haas, and commentary from the 93-year-old master himself. We'll also meet Hirschfeld's daughter, the famously named Nina (Hirschfeld still hides her name in his cartoons, in folds of skirts, beards, jewelry, etc.).

Dryfoos' own Time History Productions produced the 90-minute film, which is being distributed by Castle Hill Productions.

-- By David Lefkowitz