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Marianne and Leonard: Words of Love

Duration: 1 hour, 37 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Two HDLatest broadcast: on BBC Four HD

Available for years

The beautiful yet tragic love story between Leonard Cohen and his Norwegian muse Marianne Ihlen. Their love began on the idyllic Greek island of Hydra in 1960 as part of a bohemian community of foreign artists, writers, and musicians. This film follows their relationship, from the early days on Hydra, a humble time of 'free love' and open marriage, to how their love evolved when Leonard became a successful musician.

It was on Hydra in 1968 that director Nick Broomfield, then aged 20, first met Marianne Ihlen. Marianne introduced him to Leonard Cohen’s music and also encouraged Broomfield to make his first film. She was an enormous influence on him. Marianne and Leonard's was a love story that would continue for the rest of their lives. Along the way the film tells of the tragedy that befell those that could not survive the beauty of Hydra, the highs and lows of Leonard's career, and the inspirational power that Marianne possessed. Marianne and Leonard died three months apart. Show less

Contributors

Producer:
Shani Hinton
Producer:
Kyle Gibbon
Executive Producer:
Charles Finch
Executive Producer:
Patrick Holland
Executive Producer:
Cassian Elwes
Executive Producer:
Lisa Savage
Executive Producer:
Jan Christian Mollestad
Executive Producer:
Tony Palmer
Executive Producer:
Rudi Dolezal
Production Company:
Lafayette Film Ltd

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