A new video on the life and work of Stephen Crane is being shown on APTV, Asbury Park’s Public Access TV channels. The film debuted on Christmas Eve and is continuing through Jan. 6.
Titled “Sir, I Exist,” the 33 minute program follows the author’s life from childhood to his death on June 5, 1900 at the age of 28, including his time living in Asbury Park in the home at 508 Fourth Ave.that is now an historic landmark known as the Stephen Crane House.
Crane is best known for “The Red Badge of Courage,” a novel written in 1893 and 1894 and now considered a literary masterpiece. It’s been translated into dozens of languages and has never been out of print.
The video was written and narrated by Tom Chesek, an Asbury Park writer, and includes more than 70 pictures collected by Frank D’Alessandro who has given numerous talks about Stephen Crane and who also provides additional commentary on the video. D’Alessandro is a former owner of the Crane House, who transferred the ownership of the property to the Asbury Park Historical Society.
“Sir, I Exist, A Life of Stephen Crane,” was produced by Asbury Park TV with the Asbury Park Historical Society, and edited by Nate McCallister. It can be seen daily through Jan. 6 at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m on FiOS channel 28 and Optimum channel 77, also on Roku, Apple TV, and on the internet at www.AsburyParkTV.com.