Watch In Search of Edgar Allan Poe for free

This award-winning documentary unravels the poignant and powerful life of Edgar Allan Poe, the brilliant poet, masterful short-story writer, and influential critic. It chronicles his remarkable achievements, including the invention of the detective genre, the pioneering of science fiction, and his transformative influence on the horror genre. Yet, it also reveals the deep personal struggles that shadowed his genius: alcoholism, lost loves, and a tendency toward self-destruction. The film offers fresh perspectives on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Poe's early death and his enduring impact on future generations of writers. The documentary delves into Poe's heartbreak, including the illness and death of his young wife, which inspired his iconic works such as The Masque of the Red Death and The Raven. As he attempts to launch a literary magazine and explores the vast potential of science fiction, Poe pens a prose poem about the Universe, all while battling against inner demons. Tragically, Poe dies at the age of 40. This program also revisits Poe's final days, examining his enduring influence on later writers and bringing to life some of his most celebrated works, including The Pit and the Pendulum, The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, and The Bells.