A documentary featuring a never-before-seen interview with Bea Arthur screens at the Orinda Theatre on Oct. 10 and Oct. 11, with director Dan Watt conducting a Q&A after both showings.

"Bea Arthur—I've Done Everything but Porn" plays Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1:15 p.m., Lamorinda Weekly reported.

The film centers on an interview Watt conducted with Arthur at her kitchen table. She reflects on the performances that made her a household name: Maude Findlay on "Maude" and Dorothy Zbornak on "The Golden Girls." Arthur won Emmy Awards for both roles in 1977 and 1988.

Watt has a personal connection to the material. He served as Arthur's personal assistant from February 2004 to May 2009, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously worked at Sony Pictures Entertainment before founding DancinDan Productions, the company co-producing the documentary with Daryl Roth Productions. His previous documentary, "Everybody Dance," won a 2024 Emmy Award in the Independent Programming category.

The film traces Arthur's path from her studies at The New School in Manhattan through her early off-Broadway work. It covers her 1966 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, for playing Vera Charles in "Mame" opposite her longtime friend Angela Lansbury. Arthur later appeared with Lucille Ball in the film adaptation.

"Maude," produced by Norman Lear, brought difficult social and political subjects into American living rooms during the 1970s. The documentary also explores Arthur's advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights at a time when few prominent entertainers spoke openly on the issue.

The documentary includes interviews with Arthur's colleagues and close friends. The Orinda screenings follow a world premiere in Palm Springs in early October.

Tickets and showtimes are available at orindamovies.com. The Orinda Theatre is at 4 Orinda Theatre Square in Orinda.

Upcoming screenings

  • Saturday, Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m. — "Bea Arthur—I've Done Everything but Porn," followed by Q&A with director Dan Watt
  • Sunday, Oct. 11, 1:15 p.m. — same film and Q&A