Stoutor
It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
Huievest
Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.
Connianatu
How wonderful it is to see this fine actress carry a film and carry it so beautifully.
LeonLouisRicci
Ultimately Unsatisfying and Tepid Biography of Hank Williams Sr. It Suffers from a Low-Budget Look but Remains Interesting and inspirational Mainly because of the Mythological Implications and the Genius of the Singer/Songwriters Legacy. Justifiably Considered one of the Best and Influential Recording Artists of the Twentieth Century Williams Combined Blues and Hillbilly into a Template of Rustic Simplification of White Poor Folks Woes that was to Become the Nucleus of Country Music as it is Known Today.The Movie without Doubt leaves a lot to be Desired. George Hamilton gives it a Yeoman's Effort to bring a Pop Cultural God down to Earth but the Task was Beyond His Abilities. But it is not Awful and while Pedestrian is Substantial Enough to just be Passable. Historians are Quick to Point Out that the Film is Whitewashed and Almost Insignificant. Most Blame is put on Hank's First Wife Audrey who took Control of the Film's Production much like She did with Williams's Career. The Result, they Maintain, was almost Blasphemous in its Manipulation and Myth Making.In the End it is not a Worthless Movie. it can Inspire, mostly due to the Great Songs, to Invite the Uninitiated to the Man's Music and Talent. A Teen-Aged Hank Williams Jr. Provides the Vocals with Renditions of His Father's Most Famous Songs and Jr does a Fine and Heartfelt Labor of Love. Worth a Watch because of the Songwriting Creativity of the Artist and because there is Scant Little Else to Represent the Storytellers Life on Screen. That Needs to be Corrected ASAP.
noraandkids
I first saw this film at the old Fox Theater in Rawlins, WY. I was so impressed that I began collecting Hank's albums,remastered and released on 33 1/3 records. The more I got, the more I wanted. Recently, I discovered the movie was out on DVD and I bought it. I have watched it many times. I believe George Hammilton made an honest effort to get into Hank's mind and did a credible job. I love the movie and use it to introduce my kids and grandkids to this amazing man. I also bought Hank Williams, The Show He Never Gave and love it as a way to come a little closer to knowing Hank. I can't say I like one movie over the other. They are both VERY good.I agree with those who would like to see the movie made today along the line of Walk The Line and Ray. Hank was too important to not keep new generations up to date with his massive contribution to Country Music.
vitaleralphlouis
Few today recall or ever knew the MGM biography of Hank Williams was under development --- on hold --- for 10 years while MGM squabbled with Audrey Williams over the script, a script which eventually dishonored country music's greatest-ever star. It's been over 30 years since I saw this picture, but I remember it was (1) the most anticipated movie I ever saw, (2) a great disappointment, and (3) a great pleasure to see a movie about Hank despite the dishonesty and Audrey's self-serving spin job.In 1982, a man who really understood Hank Williams and his legacy created a stage play in London, England called "Hank Williams, the Show He Never Gave." In 1983, this was made into a movie, and has been out in both VHS and DVD. The 1983 movie, like Hank's music, is emotional enough to tear your heart out.People who love Hank Williams seldom explain his legacy to others, as it's too personal and heartfelt; something to be tucked carefully inside one's own heart. Our love for him is intense, internal; never fading with time's passage.
fechanbrae
I saw this movie in Scotland around the time of its original release and for the first time in my life, I witnessed a movie audience stand and applaud a film and ... there wasn't a dry eye in the theatre at the ending. A brilliant portrayal of H.W. by George Hamilton I have been trying to buy a copy of this film for years and at last I can see the movie again, 38 years later. Thank You! Jim Reid.
