Jim Carroll

Obscene -- A look at the life and work of American publisher Barney Rosset, who struggled to bring controversial works like 'Tropic of Cancer' and 'Naked Lunch' to publication.

Barney Rosset is the greatest American publisher of the twentieth century and the most influential cultural figure that you haven't heard of. Under Rosset, Grove Press and Evergreen Review fought decisive battles, including many before the state and federal supreme courts, defeated legal censorship, and opened American life to new and dangerous currents of freedom. But Rosset's public fight against hypocrisy and injustice is inextricable from his tumultuous personal life: the same unyielding, quixotic, restless energy that upended centuries of law brought Rosset perilously close to destruction.

This 2007 documentary profiles influential publisher Barney Rosset, who battled obscenity bans and took on the Supreme Court for the right to publish controversial novels, including Lady Chatterley's Lover and Tropic of Cancer. Rosset's tumultuous personal and professional life is chronicled through archival footage and interviews with Rosset, writer Erica Jong, Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, director John Waters and many others.

A look at the life and work of American publisher Barney Rosset, who struggled to bring controversial works like "Tropic of Cancer" and "Naked Lunch" to publication.

A look at the life and work of American publisher Barney Rosset, who struggled to bring controversial works like "Tropic of Cancer" and "Naked Lunch" to publication.

Barney Rosset is the greatest American publisher of the twentieth century and the most influential cultural figure that you haven't heard of. Under Rosset, Grove Press and Evergreen Review fought decisive battles, including many before the state and federal supreme courts, defeated legal censorship, and opened American life to new and dangerous currents of freedom. But Rosset's public fight against hypocrisy and injustice is inextricable from his tumultuous personal life.

Morgan is the new kid in school. Unfortunately for him, he has a history of trouble, along with a cool, rebellious attitude. And to make matters worse, Morgan also has eyes for the hottie girlfriend of the school's tough guy.

Morgan Hiller, recently transplanted from an East Coast prep school where he was a known troublemaker, hopes to make a fresh start at his new school in Los Angeles.

Morgan Hiller, recently transplanted from an East Coast prep school where he was a known troublemaker, hopes to make a fresh start at his new school in Los Angeles.

JAMES SPADER AND ROBERT DOWNEY JR. STAR IN THE ULTIMATE ‘80S HIGH SCHOOL SHOWDOWN! Morgan Hiller (James Spader), recently transplanted from an East Coast prep school where he was a known troublemaker, hopes to make a fresh start at his new school in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, he gets off on the wrong foot when he breaks up an attempted mugging by Nick Hauser (Paul Mones) and his gang, the Tuffs. Now, the Tuffs are after Morgan and it doesn't help that Nick's girlfriend Frankie (Kim Richards) is interested in the handsome newcomer. Welcome to the mean streets of TUFF TURF!