The Maze: Haight/Ashbury

KPIX-TV documentary presented by writer Michael McClure from 1967, about the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco and how it is increasingly recognized as a center for the growing 'hippie' counter-culture movement. As narrator Rod Sherry puts it: "Some call Haight-Ashbury another bohemia, like the Left Bank, Greenwich Village and others ... But it's more like Brigadoon: a magical land that appeared only yesterday and may be gone tomorrow. But if it lasts, the effect on the rest of society could be far reaching. And that's why the outside world must try to understand what is happening here." Includes scenes of McClure visiting the Psychedlic Bookshop, the Print Mint and the Straight Theater (where The New Salvation Army Band and a rehersal from his play 'The Beard' are seen). Also features views of The Grateful Dead relaxing inside their house at 710 Ashbury Street and of McClure walking though the neighborhood and socializing with painter Mike Bowen, writer Richard Brautigan and others. This film was produced by Alan Goldberg, written by Jim Harwood and directed by Dick Williams. The music is by The New Salvation Army Band.

Note that Movette Film Transfer of San Francisco remastered this 16mm positive film print in December 2016 in 2K resolution (2048x1556 pixels), using a Lasergraphics film scanner. Opening graphic designed by Carrie Hawks.