Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name (2006)
A short documentary uncovering the forgotten story of Wendy Yoshimura, activist, fugitive, and overlooked figure in one of America's most sensational 1970s cases.
Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name - Movie Information
- Original Title: Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Curtis Choy
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 27m
- Original Language: English
- Production Countries: United States of America
Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name - Plot
On February 4, 1974, the Symbionese Liberation Army kidnapped newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst. A month later, SLA members and Hearst robbed a bank in San Francisco. After the telecast shootout with police in Los Angeles, two remaining SLA members and Hearst fled to rural Pennsylvania, where they met Wendy Yoshimura. Wendy was eluding authorities who had indicted her on weapons and explosives charges in 1972. After 3 years on the run, Wendy was captured with Hearst in a San Francisco apartment, where the FBI threatened to "blow Wendy's head off". She was kept in isolation for 40 days, then jailed for 3 months until the Wendy Yoshimura Fair Trial Committee came to her aid.
Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Curtis Choy
Main Cast
- Wendy Yoshimura
- Tamlyn Tomita
Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name - FAQs
Who is Wendy Yoshimura and why does she matter?
Wendy Yoshimura was a Japanese-American activist indicted in 1972 on weapons and explosives charges. She became nationally known after being captured alongside newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst in 1975, following years underground with members of the Symbionese Liberation Army.
What is Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name about?
This 2006 short documentary chronicles Wendy Yoshimura's story: her indictment, her time on the run with SLA fugitives and Patricia Hearst, her dramatic FBI capture in San Francisco, 40 days in isolation, and the grassroots fair trial committee that ultimately came to her defense.
Is Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name based on a true story?
Yes, entirely. The film documents real events surrounding Wendy Yoshimura, a genuine historical figure. It covers her actual 1972 indictment, her connection to the Symbionese Liberation Army, the 1974 Patty Hearst kidnapping, and her 1975 arrest by the FBI in San Francisco.
Who directed Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name?
The film was directed and edited by Curtis Choy, a San Francisco-based filmmaker known for documenting Asian American history and community stories. Choy also served as the film's editor, giving the project a closely personal, single-author perspective throughout.
Who appears in Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name?
The documentary features Wendy Yoshimura herself, speaking as a subject and witness to her own history. Actress Tamlyn Tomita provides narration as the voice guide throughout the film, lending a measured, authoritative tone to the retelling of these charged historical events.
How long is Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name?
The film has a runtime of 27 minutes, making it a short documentary. Despite its brief length, it covers a substantial arc of Wendy Yoshimura's story, from her 1972 indictment through her capture, isolation, imprisonment, and eventual support from a community-organized fair trial committee.
When was Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name released?
The documentary was released on April 5, 2006. It was produced in the United States and is presented in English. The film sheds light on a largely overlooked figure from one of the most sensational criminal cases in 1970s American history.
What was the Wendy Yoshimura Fair Trial Committee?
The Wendy Yoshimura Fair Trial Committee was a grassroots advocacy group that mobilized on her behalf after her 1975 arrest. After Yoshimura spent 40 days in isolation and three months in jail, the committee worked to ensure she received a fair legal process, reflecting broader Asian American community activism of the era.
More About Wendy... Uh... What's Her Name
Explore further details about this documentary on the following resources.