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Coroner to the Stars

Play trailer Poster for Coroner to the Stars 2025 1h 23m Documentary Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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Coroner to the Stars chronicles the extraordinary journey of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the former Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner whose groundbreaking autopsies forever shaped American culture. From Marilyn Monroe and Robert Kennedy to Sharon Tate and Natalie Wood, Noguchi's outspoken expertise pushed forensic science into the spotlight-even as Hollywood elites and political adversaries sought to silence him. A Japanese immigrant who unwittingly rose to fame in a city driven by stardom, Noguchi's fearless pursuit of truth often placed him in the cross hairs of controversy.

Critics Reviews

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Patrick McDonald WBGR-FM (93.7 FM - Monroe, WI) 2h
4/5
This was more than a recitation of celebrity deaths and their autopsies by Noguchi, the L.A. country coroner. It also featured sidebars on prejudice, bureaucracy and the overwhelming number of other deaths besides Marilyn Monroe. Goodbye Norma Jean. Go to Full Review Christopher Campbell Nonfics (Substack) 6d
His accounts of just these cases (the documentary is fairly brief and brisk, leaving us wanting more stories) are done with terrific recollection and conviction. Go to Full Review Louisa Moore Screen Zealots Jul 7
A compelling portrait of the pioneering forensic pathologist who changed Hollywood death investigations forever. Go to Full Review Phil Walsh Geek Vibes Nation Jun 23
8/10
Coroner to the Stars leaves us with the impression that this is a deeply learned man, indispensable to his field. Go to Full Review Jim Tudor ScreenAnarchy Nov 18
As presented, from his notable beginnings as he was brought in for the postmortem on Marilyn Monroe, to the moment he enters the frame for this film’s interview, this famous doctor’s story charts positively and successfully makes its case. Go to Full Review Christopher Llewellyn Reed Hammer to Nail Aug 8
Dubbed the “Coroner to the Stars” (given who lives in that county), Noguchi is the subject of the eponymous documentary from directors Ben Hethcoat and Keita Ideno (making their feature debuts). Both he and the film prove thoroughly engaging. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Ben Hethcoat

Director

Keita Ideno

Director

Thomas Noguchi

Self

George Takei

Self

Janice Hahn

Self

John Henry Hinkel

Writer
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Coroner to the Stars

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Movie Info

Synopsis Coroner to the Stars chronicles the extraordinary journey of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the former Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner whose groundbreaking autopsies forever shaped American culture. From Marilyn Monroe and Robert Kennedy to Sharon Tate and Natalie Wood, Noguchi's outspoken expertise pushed forensic science into the spotlight-even as Hollywood elites and political adversaries sought to silence him. A Japanese immigrant who unwittingly rose to fame in a city driven by stardom, Noguchi's fearless pursuit of truth often placed him in the cross hairs of controversy.
Director
Ben Hethcoat, Keita Ideno
Producer
Ben Hethcoat, Billy Ray Brewton, John Henry Hinkel, Tommy Andres
Screenwriter
John Henry Hinkel, Ben Hethcoat, Keita Ideno, Ben Hethcoat, Keita Ideno
Production Co
Make Believe Theatricals, Liaison Pictures, Strangely Compelling Multimedia, The Ebersole Hughes Company
Genre
Documentary, Biography
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 23m