HOWARD mixes archive footage, old photos, and home movies with voiceover interviews to tell the life story of Disney lyricist Howard Ashman. Ashman died young of AIDS, but accomplished quite a lot in his 39 years. His personality and story are described by those closest to him, including his mother, sister, colleagues, lovers, and friends. The film begins with his childhood in Baltimore, where he displayed a prodigious imagination and knack for storytelling, then traces his first real steps into the theater as a child, during college, and as a young man in New York City. After early success, Ashman is recruited by Disney to work as a lyricist on animated films like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. The film delves into his gift for evoking character and story through his song lyrics, especially in collaboration with musician Alan Menken. Just as he's reaching the pinnacle of success, including an Oscar, Ashman is diagnosed with AIDS. Behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creative process at Disney are contrasted with Ashman's physical decline due to AIDS. He died young, but his movies live on.
