Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox

This documentary is shown on Sundance, and is a very interesting study of Dr. Emmanuel Bronner, a former Rabbi and chemist, and also a man who had been diagnosed with a form of manic depression and even institutionalized in the earlier part of his life.

His son takes us through the history of this unusual liquid soap, invented by Dr. Bronner on a now billion dollar enterprise, overseen by C.F.O. Trudy Bronner, and several of Bronner's grandsons.

My father used to purchase this in the health food stores in the 1970's. It had strange labels with the ABC's of morals, religion and virtue; as a child it was funny to read. The All-One philosophy he writes of is very intriguing. (Yes; you can even buy this at Kroger supermarkets in Ohio; I checked!).

This documentary recounts the how and why of Dr. Bronner, why he invented this natural Castile soap. A former chemist, the soap was revolutionary for the time, as it contained no chemicals and came in different fragrances. Peppermint, almond, and even more natural fragrances. I can even remember the blue labels and the different sayings.

Toward the last half of the show Dr. Bronner's son visits the Illinois mental institution, bringing samples of the soap for the workers. At the time Dr. Bronner was committed, he was speaking at the University of Illinois, and the Dean had him arrested for his rantings. Overall a very interesting documentary which reflects the unusual life of Dr. Bronner, and how his creativity and passion led to the marketing of his philosophy, and soap. Congratulations to his family and the writer of this documentary, an interesting commentary on unusual people, and how they sometimes are the most creative and inventive, and have a great deal to contribute to society. 10/10.