Shot on site in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Constantinople, London, Fontainebleau-en-Avon, New York and Lascaux, this documentary video—narrated by William Patrick Patterson and based on his book Struggle of the Magicians—retraces Gurdjieff's mission to introduce the teaching to the West. P.D. Ouspensky's and J.G. Bennett's enigmatic relationship with Gurdjieff are explored. Particularly stressed are the "St. Petersburg Conditions" and Gurdjieff's technique of "divine acting." The video vividly demonstrates Gurdjieff's warning to America of the rise and challenge of the East with footage recalling the 9/11 attack and its aftermath. Only available at this site.

"I not only liked it, I admired it. It's a first-rate documentary from a technical and artistic angle, but more importantly it succeeds in vivifying and condensing without distorting what is-of course-a very important story. Moreover, it acts as a useful teaching vehicle; and for some people it may be their first introduction to a few of the ideas discussed, and to the Gurdjieff/de Hartmann music."—Jeffrey Zaleski, Reviews Editor, Publishers Weekly