[DOCUMENTARY] In the late 1980s, London residents Dave Morris and Helen Steel—a postman and gardener, respectively—enjoyed handing out fliers criticizing the fast food empire McDonald’s for serving unhealthy food, degrading the environment and exploiting its employees. Infuriated that two citizens would engage in such acts, in 1990 the corporation demanded the two activists apologize or face a libel lawsuit. Morris and Steel refused, and embarked on an insane two and a half year trial. The longest trial in British history saw the two activists represent themselves against McDonald’s $19 million legal time. Ultimately, the whole affair brought about a million times more bad publicity on McDonald’s than Morris and Steel ever dreamed during their days handing out leaflets on street corners. The new documentary McLibel, which screens as part of the Vegetarian Society of Hawai’i’s ongoing series of free lectures, brings to life the plight of Morris and Steel. For more information call 575-7694. [ANTHONY PIGNATARO]
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