Howard (2018)

In the heart of Baltimore, nestled in an ordinary Jewish family, blossoms the extraordinary passion of Howard Ashman for musical theater. From these humble beginnings, Howard's journey unfolds, leading him to a derelict corner of New York where he breathes life into a struggling theater. His adaptation of Roger Corman's "Little Shop of Horrors" explodes onto the Off-Off-Broadway scene, hurtling him into the limelight and onto the grand stage of Broadway. Here, he collaborates with Marvin Hamlisch, an Oscar and Tony winner, only to face the crushing disappointment of their creation, Smile. Retreating from New York, Howard finds himself in the pulsating heart of Los Angeles, amidst a band of determined artists - Disney animators unceremoniously ousted from their studio. In this creative crucible, with Alan Menken by his side, Howard pens the Oscar-winning masterpieces for "The Little Mermaid", igniting a global sensation. Yet, as his career ascends, a shadow looms. Howard is diagnosed with HIV, a secret he guards fiercely in an era where AIDS spells certain death and society marginalizes gay men. Undeterred, Howard pours his soul into his next projects, crafting the initial songs for "Aladdin" and authoring the lyrics of "Beauty and the Beast" from his hospital bed. Tragically, Howard is unable to witness the release of his final Disney films, succumbing to his illness. Yet, his legacy endures, his lyrical genius echoing through Broadway productions and live-action remakes, inspiring a new generation with the timeless magic of his work. This is the tale of Howard Ashman, a remarkable man who danced with words and painted dreams with melodies.

Howard is a documentary movie featuring Howard Ashman.

Howard is currently streaming on Disney Plus.