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Showing posts from January, 2014

John Templeton: Contrarian (2013 documentary)

The life of famed investor, Sir John Templeton is recalled by family and friends in Contrarian , a 2013 film directed by Mary Mazzio. You can watch the film online here, via Bloomberg, for a limited time.   As an admirer of Templeton's investing acumen and wisdom , I was glad to check out this breezy overview of the legendary investor's career and to hear a few tales about his long and productive life (Templeton, who lived to be 95, died in 2008).  However, those looking for a more critical look at John Templeton's business and philanthropic efforts may be disappointed. The documentary is wholly based on interviews with family and colleagues who fondly look back on his life and his habits and drives. You won't find much here that bucks the close-knit family atmosphere and retellings of cherished memories. In fact, I felt this biographical film bordered on hagiography.  Having said that, there is still much to be gained from a look back at the ups and downs of