Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox

dr-bronners-magic-soapbox.jpg
Sara Lamm
USA, documentary, 2006
88 mins. (MiniDV)

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soapbox is an offbeat, funny, and ultimately moving documentary about a socially responsible company and the family that runs it.

Dr. Emanuel Bronner was a master soapmaker, self-proclaimed rabbi, and, allegedly, Albert Einstein's nephew. In 1947, after escaping a mental institution, he invented 'Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap,' a peppermint-infused, all-natural, multi-purpose liquid that can be found today in every American health food store. On each bottle of soap, he printed a set of teachings called 'The Moral ABC,' designed, in his words, 'TO UNITE SPACESHIP EARTH!'

Moving back and forth between archival footage of Dr. Bronner, and contemporary footage of his son Ralph, director Sara Lamm documents four generations of soapmakers and the inspiring legacy of the counterculture’s favourite cleaning product.