Home / Series / Storyville / Aired Order / Season 2011 / Episode 29

Bobby Fischer: Genius and Madman

Considered by many to be the world's greatest chess player, Bobby Fischer personified the link between genius and madness. His trajectory propelled him from child prodigy to world chess champion at the age of 29 and then into a nosedive of delusions and paranoia. Fischer was a recluse for decades before resurfacing for a bizarre final chapter as a fugitive. Veteran filmmaker Liz Garbus's documentary exposes the disturbingly high price Fischer paid to achieve his legendary success and the resulting toll it took on his psyche. Rare archival footage and insightful interviews with those closest to him expand this captivating story of a mastermind's tumultuous rise and precipitous fall.

English
  • Originally Aired November 30, 2011
  • Runtime 75 minutes
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
  • Network BBC Four
  • Created December 1, 2011 by
    Administrator admin
  • Modified December 1, 2011 by
    Administrator admin
Name Type Role
Liz Garbus Director