Hyman Strachman, a 92-year-old, 5-foot-5 World War II veteran, has spent the last 8-years sending thousands of bootlegged copies of first-run movies to American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq (Photo Todd Heisler/The New York Times)
In an utterly fascinating story, as only New York Times can dig up, reported Alan Schwarz has written an article about Hyman Strachman, also known as Big Hy, who has spent the last many years sending thousands of bootlegged copies of first-run Hollywood films to troops stationed overseas.
Big Hy has not kept an official count but estimates that he did over 80,000 discs a year during his peak bootlegging days in 2007 and 2008, making his total more than 300,000 discs since he began in 2004. His total estimated cost, paid out of his own pocket: $30,000.
Reports the NYTimes:
Howard Gantman, a spokesman for the Motion Picture Association of America, said he did not believe its member studios were aware of Mr. Strachman’s operation. His sole comment dripped with the difficulty of going after a 92-year-old widower supporting the troops.
“We are grateful that the entertainment we produce can bring some enjoyment to them while they are away from home,” Mr. Gantman said.
I say God Bless America!
Source: NYTimes.
