I was personally invited to the VIP movie premiere and red carpet event for Lost & Found in Cleveland movie by producers Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman of DoubleG Films. They asked, in an email, if I would have a Zoom meeting with them to discuss their new film and explain why the story of a bunch of endearing yet hopeful antiques collectors from Cleveland is expected to be a holiday film classic and how they want me to be involved in the film. They started the conversation with the statement, “We are fans, Dr. Lori”. And from there, we talked about fun family heirlooms and what’s it like to be an art and antiques appraiser.

Lost & Found in Cleveland movie trailer

Based on my life as an appraiser on tour evaluating objects from a curious public, the filmmakers thought my view of this industry would be inspiring and helpful. I’m familiar with this line of work and the movie producers explained how my job as a skilled and funny appraiser performing on stage nationwide for 25 years makes this film much like my own personal story. As I have spent years identifying and appraising objects of all styles, ages, and values, this movie tells the tale of the hopeful owners and heirloom keepers when the nation’s most popular appraisal show comes to town.  It too is a love letter to Cleveland where the filmmakers show the hope of America from one of its most engaging cities.


Lost & Found in Cleveland movie poster

On November 1, 2025, I excitedly attended the VIP movie premiere and walked the red carpet at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The VIP screening of the film was thoroughly enjoyable, fun, and authentic. As host appraiser of Dr. Lori’s Antiques Appraisal Comedy Show, I’ve appraised Americans objects and shared their collecting stories for years. This film immediately hit home with me as it will with those who love all things vintage. It had everything. It offered hope to the collectors of unusual objects, it had heartfelt scenes and funny parts, and it showed viewers a slice of Americana in a place called Cleveland. Just like all of us who have items from years gone by, Lost & Found in Cleveland is a film for all of us. The filmmakers understood the universal premise kept by many who preserve cherished keepsakes like grandma’s Depression glass vase or a Remington look-alike cowboy sculpture bought at a neighborhood yard sale.  Every object has a story. The film speaks of my decades-long role in the world of art and antiques appraisals. And although I’ve seen it all, I was still moved by this film.


Martin Sheen plays Dr. Austin Raybourne, Ph.D. appraiser who talks to Dennis Haysbert’s character, Marty when the appraisal show comes to Cleveland.

All-Star Cast

In addition to the well-established filmmakers Gerchak and Guterman of Double G films, both with numerous awards and accolades to their credit, the film features some very big Hollywood all-stars such as Martin Sheen, Dennis Haysbert, Stacy Keach, Jeff Hiller, Dot-Marie Jones, Jon Lovitz, Liza Weil, Loretta Devine, among others. The plot moves along and the audience finds itself, as I did, cheering on the quirky collectors throughout the multi-faceted and charming story. The characters show heart and determination, love and hope; perfect for viewing with friends and family.  The writing is crisp, smart, and witty, if not somewhat expected however there are aspects of the plot that surprised even me especially when the youngest collector asks a seasoned appraiser in the film to put on the all important and protective white cotton gloves–part of my appraisal attire for years.

In my work, I “break some hearts and make some millionaires”, a regular phrase I use at my appraisal shows. I found the film to be on target in an arena that few know as well as I do. In my years appraising the public’s objects in private homes, on television shows, and on big city stages, the Lost & Found in Cleveland movie demonstrates the aspects of American culture that brings hope and inspiration to the heartland derived from our own collectible stuff.


Comedian Jon Lovitz brings the laughs as the Mayor of Cleveland in Lost & Found in Cleveland.

The film references classic American films like  Best in Show where hope is at the center of the plot. In this film, writers and producers Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman show us the American experience through our keepsakes–everything from alabaster lamps to zebra print quilts. Looking back on my career of seeing and valuing it all, I urge you to see this film because it is really about all of us and what we hold dear. Watch Lost & Found in Cleveland with your family and friends, just for fun. Tell others about it and then watch it again.

And, let me offer some expert advice… take care when you add water to grandma’s antique flower vase. You’ll learn that it’s worth much more than just money.