Dr. Lori Verderame
by Dr. Lori Verderame
My invitation to the VIP premiere of the new Hollywood movie, Lost & Found in Cleveland, came via email from producers Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman of DoubleG Films.
They asked if I would have a Zoom meeting to discuss their new film and explain why the story of a bunch of quirky yet hopeful antiques collectors from Cleveland is expected to be a holiday classic and how they want me to be involved. Based on my life as an appraiser on tour evaluating objects brought to me from an adoring and curious public, the filmmakers thought my view would prove inspiring. I am uniquely familiar with this line of work and the movie producers explained how my work as a skilled and funny appraiser of art, antiques, and collectibles performing on stage nationwide for nearly three decades makes this film much like my own personal story. As I have spent years identifying and appraising objects of all styles, ages, and values, this movie tells the tale of the hopeful owners and heirloom keepers.
I excitedly attended the premiere in Cleveland and walked the red carpet at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The VIP screening was thoroughly enjoyable and the film’s debut promises to be a winner when it opens in theatres on November 7. As host of Dr. Lori’s Antiques Appraisal Comedy Show, I’ve told America’s stories via objects for years and this film immediately hit home with me as it will with those who love anything vintage. It had everything. It offered hope to the collectors of unusual objects, it had heartfelt scenes and funny parts, and it showed viewers a slice of Americana through all types of collectibles and a place called Cleveland. Just like all of us who have items from years gone by, Lost & Found in Cleveland is a film for all of us. The filmmakers understood the universal premise kept by many who preserve cherished keepsakes like grandma’s Limoges porcelain plate or that Remington look-alike cowboy sculpture bought at a neighborhood yard sale. Every object has a story. The film speaks of my decades-long role in the world of art and antiques appraisals. And although I’ve seen it all, I was still moved by this film.
In addition to the well-established filmmakers with awards and accolades to their credit, the film features some very big Hollywood names such as Martin Sheen, Dennis Haysbert, Stacy Keach, Jeff Hiller, Dot-Marie Jones, Jon Lovitz, Liza Weil, among others. The action moves quickly, and the audience finds itself, as I did, cheering on the quirky collectors throughout the multi-faceted, complex, and charming story. The characters are well developed and inspiring. They show heart and determination, love and hope; perfect for family viewing at holiday time or anytime. The writing is crisp, smart, and witty, if not somewhat expected.
I’ve had the uplifting and often painful job of appraising family heirlooms and flea market finds for years. In fact, regularly I’ve had to “break some hearts and make some millionaires,” as I say regularly at my appraisal shows. With that in mind, I found the film to be on target in an arena that few know as well as I do. In my years appraising the public’s objects in private homes, on television shows, and on big city stages, Lost & Found in Cleveland demonstrates the aspects of American culture that brings hope and inspiration to the heartland from our own stuff.
The film references classic American films like The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Story, and Best in Show where hope is at the center of the plot. In this film, writers and producers Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman show us the American experience through our keepsakes–everything from alabaster lamps to zebra print quilts. Looking back on my career of seeing and valuing it all, I urge you to see this film. Watch Lost & Found in Cleveland with your family and friends, just for fun. Tell others about it and then watch it again. Plan to have an outing on November 7 to see it in a theatre near you.
And, let me offer a bit of expert advice… take care when you lift the lid off grandma’s antique cookie jar this holiday season. You’ll learn that it’s worth much more than simply money.
Ph.D. art and antiques appraiser, YouTube star with 75 million views on her channel www.YouTube.com/DrLoriV , and award-winning media personality, Dr. Lori Verderame presents her popular Antiques Appraisal Comedy Tour nationwide. She appears on Netflix, History channel, and CBS & ABC networks. Want to know what your stuff is worth? Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.
View the trailer here
